Preparing Sheffield United for the promotion battle will be the biggest challenge

Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder says getting the Blades into a position to fight for promotion back to the Premier League is “my biggest challenge”.

Sunday’s 3-0 defeat at home to Tottenham was Sheffield United’s 28th^th in 38 games this season.

They finished with three wins and 16 points in total, effectively 17 short of survival.

Wilder returned for a second spell at Bramall Lane after Paul Heckingbottom was sacked in December and admitted “the league was too strong for us, we can’t get away from it”.

“We don’t take chances and then any opportunity the opposition has to put us to bed, they take it,” he added. “When adversity hits, we haven’t been able to get out of it.”

Read our other sports news:
Postecoglou won’t be smiling until Tottenham achieve their lofty goals
David Moyes: Never say never about Hammers comeback
Pochettino sees bigger things as Chelsea return to Europe

Wilder pointed out that all three teams relegated from last season’s Premier League were at the forefront of the race for a comeback this campaign, with Leicester at the top of the table and Leeds and Southampton set to battle it out in the play-off final the championship.

“We have to work hard in the summer to get into the position that Leeds and Southampton are in, which gives them the chance to come back,” he said.

“This is my biggest challenge ahead. I’m the most determined and determined I’ve ever been to do the right thing and create a team that everyone can recognize and that represents us.”

Thank you Blades for sticking with us through thick and thin. We will come back stronger. ⚔️❤️ pic.twitter.com/c9Y9o4bXjH

— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) May 19, 2024