Sheffield United boss, Chris Wilder, has fired a frank warning to his players over their contractual situations with the club.
The Blades boss is keen to see talks resume with a number of his first-team players now the transfer window is shut. January proved fruitful for the Blades, with five new signings through the doors at Bramall Lane.
John Fleck is one of a number of Sheffield United players who need tying down to the club. (Photo by Harriet Lander/Copa/Getty Images)
However, it was not without its rumours in terms of their own players. John Fleck was continually linked with Arsenal, while John Egan was touted for a move to Everton. Both players remained, of course.
But Wilder has warned his players to focus on the task at hand and not lining their pockets.
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“I’m always aware and mindful of the fact that there are a lot of bigger clubs than us in this division from a financial and stature point of view and I can’t really stand in the players’ way,” Wilder said. (The Mirror)
“But these boys as well, they’ve only been in the division for a year. So their thought process, first and foremost, should be to get in the side and stay in the side. Not looking elsewhere at what might happen.”
Wilder will no doubt be referring to the likes of Fleck and Egan. Meanwhile, Enda Stevens is another player who the club are keen to tie down, while John Lundstram will have a year option exercised by United in the summer.
George Baldock signed a new deal in August. Chris Wilder, then, will be hoping his other squad members follow suit.
A word of warning
Every so often Chris Wilder speaks out and lays a marker down for his team. In the same interview, he went on to insist his players prove themselves, especially, given he has just brought in five new players in January.
Chris Wilder has issued a warning to his Sheffield United players.. (Photo by IAN KINGTON/AFP via Getty Images)
This is the sort of comment which will keep his players on their toes. Wilder has no time for passengers. No matter the status at the club, he will no tolerate you not wanting to be part of the ‘journey’, as he so often refers too.
Hopefully, the Blades squad see sense and start putting pen to paper in the coming weeks.
