The verdict on Blades' season

Sheffield United's return to the Premier League was short lived and following relegation they will return to the Championship next season.

Ben Meakin, from Blades Pod, has given his verdict on the 2023-24 campaign.

Season rating: 0/10. Three wins all season, over 100 goals conceded and seven defeats by at least four goals. I expected this season to go badly but somehow we went below my low expectations.

Happy with your manager? Bluntly, if Chris Wilder did not have a history of success with us, he probably would have been sacked months ago. But the club is going all-in on Wilder being the man to oversee an overhaul so, even as a sceptic, what can you do but cross your fingers and hope the gamble pays off?

Unsung hero: It may seem trite but it has to be the fans. Still turning up in big numbers and packing out away ends, and somehow not turning overly toxic during matches despite what we have been served up. Yes, some of that is apathy borne out of how we approached this season, but the players have had an (undeservedly?) easy ride from those who have paid to watch them.

Player you would most like to sign: We need to bring in over 10 players this summer just to have a squad next season, but top of my list to keep is John Egan. Signing the club captain to a new deal could be vital with so much change taking place in the rest of the squad.

Best away fans: Virtually every team to come to Bramall Lane has had a big party in the away end this season. Brighton were noisy and sold out their allocation in the FA Cup despite having to play us again a few weeks later - although the fact they won those two games by a combined score of 10-2 probably softened the blow of excessive travel costs.

See how our other fan writers rated their club's season here