Football Season Guide

Sheffield United had a dreadful 2023/24 Premier League campaign in which they registered only three wins, picked up just 16 points and became the first team to get relegated to the Championship in late April. They conceded as many as 104 goals and averaged less than one goal scored per game. In December, Sheffield United sacked Paul Heckingbottom after a poor start to the campaign, with former boss Chris Wilder taking charge. Wilder didn’t manage to help them avoid relegation, but he stayed put in the club’s bid to return to the Premier League. The Blades have freshened up their squad, parting ways with experienced - but aged - players, who have been replaced with young prodigies. Most of the men who left were backup players, with right-back Jayden Bogle being the only footballer whose departure might prove costly if he’s not replaced adequately. Sometimes starting forwards Cameron Archer and Oli McBurnie departed, but Kieffer Moore was brought in to beef up Sheffield United’s attack. Sheffield United may have struggled in the top flight, but many of the players in the current squad have gained important Premier League experience and confidence that could catapult them back to the first division. Dropping the average age of the team will help The Blades play a dynamic style of football and offer them a much-needed boost of energy, but Championship is a tough league where experience is important and the lack of it could be a potential weakness for them.