Chris Wilder lays down pre-season challenges as Sheffield United prepare for a culture reset

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder is determined to avoid a repeat of last season’s Premier League horror show, which was down to poor preparation.

Many will say the damage was done before the top-flight campaign even started when two of their most important players from the promotion season, Sander Berge and Iliman Ndiaye, were sold just days before the start of the Premier League.

It wasn’t that they were sold: it was the timing that was incredibly stupid and left gaping holes in the starting eleven that were never filled. And it’s an issue supporters have been raising for months as they fear the same could happen this summer with the likes of Oli Arblaster and Gustavo Hamer as they prepare for a bounce-back promotion .

Another issue that was evident last season was fitness issues in terms of injuries sustained and actual stamina during the game.

While a lack of possession certainly wears on a team as the season goes on, a lack of energy has been a major concern for United from the start. The Blades dropped a vital five points in the last ten minutes of games in their first five Premier League games last season.

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 09: Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder reacts during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Brentford FC at Bramall Lane on December 09, 2023 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Chris Wilder doesn’t want those demons to carry over into this upcoming campaign. Speaking to the Yorkshire Post about the club’s pre-season plans, he is determined to address these weaknesses long before the Championship games begin.

“(The players) have had all their individual meetings and know what it’s going to look like. Get ready. Don’t underestimate what that will be like because this summer we have to raise the bar in everything we do and get back to standards. If they fall by the wayside, they won’t be involved.

“The players I’ve got now, Robinson, Bogle, Hamer: they’ll love the challenges. I think he’s just looking forward to it. They need to recover and get their head right but on the first day of pre-season we will be bright and we will be back at it.

“You can’t be a victim; nobody can feel sorry for themselves (after last season). Culture will be a reset. It will be a difficult and demanding pre-season – perhaps the toughest they have ever faced.”

As things stand, Sheffield United’s pre-season trip kicks off on July 13 against York City and hopefully by the time the Blades roll around they’ll have a few new signings through the door, while facing the biggest squad overhaul in the club’s recent history. and potentially all under new ownership with a takeover ever closer.