Sheffield United

Rob Staton
BBC Radio Sheffield reporter

Image source, BBC Sport/Getty Images

Sheffield United spent the past week in Girona taking part in a warm-weather training camp.

I was able to spend Thursday and Friday observing the sessions, led by new manager Ruben Selles.

The conditions were very hot and humid with the Spaniard opting for a longer session in the morning rather than splitting things up throughout the day.

We saw exhaustive pressing drills in the heat, passing sequences, a lot of transition work plus a focus on set-pieces.

Players would then spend some time in the gym. During downtime, some played golf while others preferred the increasingly popular padel tennis.

Oliver Arblaster, the highly impressive young midfielder returning from injury, spoke positively about his hope of being back for the start of the season.

Callum O'Hare and Harrison Burrows spoke of channelling play-off disappointment into an attempt to go one better this season.

The manager reiterated his desire to produce an "intense" style of play. All of the players we spoke to were complimentary of the manager's style after their first few weeks together.

Selles spoke confidently about keeping key players such as Gus Hamer and Michael Cooper. He also acknowledged that while money could be available for the right signing, United are mostly looking at loans and free agents at the moment.

Clearly new additions are necessary but it's in the loan and free window where the Blades have had a lot of success in their recent history.

The team returns to England on Saturday after one final session. They play York City in a friendly on Tuesday.

Sheffield United midfielder Ollie Arblaster says that he wants to play a "bigger part" in Sheffield United's pursuit of promotion in the upcoming Championship campaign.

The 21-year-old had to watch his team reach the play-off finals without him last season, having been sidelined since November with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

"I'd like to have had a bigger part to play and that's what I set out as soon as we lost last season in the play-off final," Arblaster told BBC Radio Sheffield.

"I was just determined to come back and get back in playing as soon as possible and helping us go up.

"I was in and around it when we went up in the 2022-23 season but nowhere near where I wanted to be. I want to be playing week in, week out for my boyhood club, that would be a dream."

Blades boss Ruben Selles confirmed he is not expecting Arblaster to return until mid-September - but the Englishman is hopeful he can be match-ready earlier than anticipated.

"I think I'm pretty close. I feel really good, my body feels really good," Arblaster added.

"I just have to take it day by day. Hopefully I'll get back before [mid-September] but definitely by that September international break, I'd love to be back playing games."

Listen to the full interview and more on BBC Sounds.

English striker Rhian Brewster, 25, is unlikely to re-sign for Sheffield United amid interest from Middlesbrough and recently promoted Premier League side Burnley. (EFL Analysis), external

Boro and the Clarets are also both being linked with a potential move for NEC Nijmegen winger Sontje Hansen, 23, but may face additional competition for the Dutchman from Wrexham. (Teesside Live), external

Want more transfer news from the EFL? Take a look at Friday's gossip column here.

"It's been tough like pre-season should be but it's been a really good week so far.

"Away from the pitch, you need everyone to get along and on the pitch it's work time - and here it's a good mix of both."

Sheffield United midfielder Callum O'Hare says the squad have made a good start to pre-season at their training camp in Spain.

Listen to the full interview and more on Sheffield United on BBC Sounds.

Sheffield United boss Ruben Selles has confirmed that midfielder Ollie Arblaster will miss the opening month of the upcoming Championship season.

The 21-year-old has not played for the Blades since sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury in November 2024.

"Ollie is not going to be with us until the middle of September if everything goes according to the plan," Selles told BBC Radio Sheffield.

"We need to be a little bit careful, it's always complicated to come back after that kind of injury."

The squad are undergoing pre-season training in Selles' home country of Spain, a part of the year that he relishes.

"It's one of the best parts of this job," Selles said.

"They go to the grass, try to see how the implement your idea, see how they play your ideas, how they improve your ideas.

"For me, the experience to be on the grass everyday is something that I need."

Listen to the full interview and more on BBC Sounds.

Rangers have joined Sheffield United and Southampton in the hunt for Crystal Palace's English winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, 22, who is valued at £10m. (Daily Record, external)

Want more transfer news from the EFL? Take a look at Tuesday's gossip column here.

Adam Oxley
BBC Radio Sheffield

Image source, Getty Images

This time last year, many Sheffield United fans would have been delighted to see Vinicius Souza leave the club. There were even offers to drive the Brazilian as far away from Bramall Lane as possible.

Twelve months on, the 26-year-old midfielder has joined Wolfsburg in the German Bundesliga with a mix of genuine disappointment and best wishes from Blades supporters.

It's quite the redemption story.

'Vini' arrived during a challenging summer for ex-boss Paul Heckingbottom, as United prepared for the Premier League on a limited budget.

Star players Iliman Ndiaye and Sander Berge were controversially sold, with Souza one of the new signings charged with filling a sizeable void.

He failed to impress, as did the side in general, with his antics regularly annoying team-mates, including several on-pitch arguments with finger-pointing a plenty.

I even remember a pre-kick-off 'low five' at Old Trafford for compatriot Antony, something which frustrated our BBC Sheffield summariser Carl Asaba at the time for its timing and unprofessionalism.

Relegation inevitably followed for the bottom-placed Blades, but a new season under returning boss Chris Wilder brought a new 4-2-3-1 formation and a fresh chance for Souza as one of two holding midfielders.

The former Flamengo, Lommel and Espanyol man was a different player, bulldozing Championship opponents, driving the team forward, providing the fuel for the team's creative talents, like Gus Hamer, Callum O'Hare and Jesurun Rak-Sakyi.

Souza was also a superb foil for emerging academy stars Oli Arblaster and Sydie Peck in United's midfield two, giving them the confidence and security to flourish.

Unfortunately, injury disrupted the second half of Souza's season and he did not quite finish the campaign in the same imperious way he started, but he had already done enough for many at Bramall Lane to expect his exit following defeat in the Championship play-off final.

Souza may have played the villain in his first season in England, but his name was increasingly sung – to a Slade classic – as United came agonisingly close to an immediate top-flight return.

"Come on Vini Souza, join us in the boozer, we're one-nil up, we're one-nil up."

I suspect the Brazilian will have a pint waiting when he returns to Sheffield in the future, rather than one being thrown in his face.

Birmingham City are in talks to bring Japan forward Kyogo Furuhashi back to the UK from Ligue 1 side Rennes. The 30-year-old cost the French club £10m when he joined from Celtic in January. (Birmingham Live), external

Birmingham have also reportedly joined the chase for SC Braga right-back Joe Mendes but face competition from Championship rivals Sheffield United and Southampton for the Swede's signature. (Expressen), external

Want more transfer news from the EFL? Take a look at Wednesday's gossip column here.

Sheffield United midfielder Vinicius Souza, 26, is set to sign a five-year deal with Bundesliga side VfL Wolfsburg for £12.8m. (Sport Witness), external

Want more transfer news from the EFL? Take a look at Tuesday's gossip column here.

Adam Oxley
BBC Radio Sheffield journalist

Image source, Rex Features

It's Sheffield United, Jim, but not as we know it.

The red and white half of the Steel City is set for a fascinating 43 days between now and kick-off in the new Championship season.

When the Blades face Bristol City at Bramall Lane on 9 August, a new chapter – heralded by the club's American owners – will begin in earnest.

For now the dust is beginning to settle on a seismic change for which tremors will undoubtedly be felt for weeks, months and years to come.

It's been a busy and dramatic six months since COH Sports acquired Sheffield United. Chris Wilder was quickly given a new three-and-a-half-year contract. United claimed a club record 92 points but missed out on automatic promotion in the final few games. They then lost the Championship play-off final having led with 15 minutes to go before Wilder eventually departed by mutual consent, being replaced by Spaniard Ruben Selles.

That decision has split the Blades fanbase, with social media exposing extreme opinions on both sides of the argument for and against change.

Boyhood fan and former player Wilder will always be a legendary figure at Bramall Lane. He achieved this status in his first spell when he took the club from League One obscurity to ninth in the Premier League, but he deserves more credit than he has received for his second spell, including last summer's rebuild in the wake of relegation from the top-flight, with a significant turnaround of players, and the protracted takeover which continued until late December.

At Wembley in May he stood on the brink of achieving something no other manager in the club's history had achieved: three promotions. It will always sting that he came so close for Wilder, his players and the club's supporters.

But a significant number of Blades fans took issue with performances last season and the club's style of play, while questioning the success of recruitment in January and the near £450,000 in fines paid over player and staff conduct.

Whatever motivated the decision to act, the Blades board has acted, and in doing so, they have thrown their full weight behind former Hull City and Reading boss Selles.

Their claim that he "can employ innovative recruitment and analytic strategies" is key - relating to the owners' eagerness to use data and artificial intelligence to "recruit the best and brightest talent", which is central to the intrigue about how the Blades squad will take shape under Selles, who says he will have the final say on transfers.

How many existing players will be able to deliver the intensity that the Spaniard demands? Will some Wilder regulars find themselves sidelined? Will data-driven arrivals be in the majority or minority, as opposed to "seen it, done it" Championship players?

United's new board is seeking "sustainable success" and says "the road ahead may require patience", but having come so close to a Premier League return last season, patience may be in short supply if the Blades aren't in the mix for automatic promotion from an early stage.

It's a brave new enterprise at Bramall Lane, with Selles tasked to boldly go and establish the Blades as a regular top-flight club.

Image source, Getty Images

First-team coach Jack Lester is to leave Sheffield United after a mutual agreement was agreed between him and the club.

Ex-Blades striker Lester returned to Bramall Lane in 2019 to head up the club's academy.

He was then appointed to first-team coach two years later under Paul Heckingbottom and maintained that role with Chris Wilder, who was dismissed last week.

But as Lester leaves, it has been confirmed that Matt Duke and Micky Collins, other members of Wilder's backroom team will work with new head coach Ruben Selles.

The EFL fixture list is out and we know you are bursting to know what you've got to look forward to - or dread - from your team this upcoming season.

Here are some key dates to put in your diary:

• 9 August 2025 - v Bristol City (H)

• 16 August 2025 - v Swansea City (A)

• 22 November 2025 - v Sheffield Wednesday (A)

• 26 December 2025 - v Wrexham (A)

• 1 January 2026 - v Leicester City (H)

• 21 February 2026 - v Sheffield Wednesday (H)

• 11 April 2026 - v Hull City (H)

• 2 May 2026 - v Derby County (A)

See Sheffield United's full fixture list here.

Image source, Rex Features

New Sheffield United boss Ruben Selles has given a flavour of how he wants his Blades side to play.

In his first interview with BBC Radio Sheffield, the new man in the Bramall Lane dugout pledged to play "intense and front-footed" football and stick to his attacking principles.

He said: "We are very proactive, we are not waiting for things to happen, we want to be creating situations, we want to be aggressive, we want to be front-footed and vertical in our attack. Those are the principles – we want to prepare a team that is very intense.

"We want to find the opposition box as quick as we can, that will not mean we want to kick it long, we want to find a spare player or have this breaking lines mentality.

"When we lose the ball we need to recover it as quick as possible to continue attacking."

Selles, who says he is a passionate boss, aims to foster a culture of trust with his players and maintain high standards.

He added: "I trust the players a lot but I am very firm in my principles and in the way I want them to do things on the pitch.

"We create the idea and they need to go and play the idea."

Click here for Ruben Selles full interview with BBC Radio Sheffield's Rob Staton via BBC Sounds.

Your club will soon discover their schedule for the upcoming EFL season. As soon as Thursday, in fact.

Want to know who your side will face on opening day? The EFL fixtures will be announced at 12:00 BST - but that's not all.

The day will be rounded off by the first round of Carabao Cup being drawn at 16:30 BST.

So check back on 26 June to see who your team faces first, last and everything in between.

Hull City and Columbia midfielder Steven Alzate, 26, could be set for an exit from the Tigers this summer amid interest from La Liga side Valencia and Sheffield United. (Hull Live, external)

Want more transfer news from the EFL? Take a look at Tuesday's gossip column here.

Sheffield United and Southampton face stiff competition from Leeds, Wolves and four German Bundesliga clubs to sign French striker Willem Geubbels, 23, from Swiss Super League side St Gallen after he netted 14 goals in 31 games last season. (L'Equipe - in French), external

Read Friday's full gossip column for more EFL transfer rumours

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Image source, Rex Features

Ruben Selles has been installed as Sheffield United head coach in place of Chris Wilder.

Here's what you've had to say about Selles' appointment:

Neil: Probably a big mistake. Selles is utterly unproven. He may the the next Jose Mourinho, but also might be the next David Weir. He may not make it to Christmas. Or he may lead us into the Champions League. For data-driven owners, this is seems one hell of a visit to the roulette table.

Freddie: Sheffield United have consistently appointed failed managers who have then failed at Bramall Lane too, since the day Dave Bassett left the club - and nothing will change under the new manager and owners.

Andy: Wilder was able to rebuild the team and keep them competitive. If Wilder was being replaced by a manager with a good pedigree then it would make sense. However, Selles doesn't fit into that category in any way. I hope I'm wrong but this could be a big mistake.

Miguel: That's a big gamble. Chris has been great and deserved another crack at the Premier League. Win percentage above 40% everywhere he's been. Phenomenal. Big-game results let him down. Selles' win percentage - never above 40% anywhere he's been. We've heard they are going for data-driven recruitment. It would seem not. I don't understand this roll of the dice.

John: It's a big gamble, but football is all about moving forward. I hope the analytical approach favoured by the owners will not lose sight of traditional recruitment.

Steve: Underwhelmed by the appointment of Selles - his CV suggests possibility but also tactical rigidity and lack of attacking strategies - if we're not off to a flying start, things could turn ugly.

David: A club like United need to fully embrace the modern methods being utilised successfully by other medium-sized clubs. Brighton, Brentford and Bournemouth are the poster boys for this approach but Liverpool and Spurs have had success using analytics and there will have been others. It stings to let such a talismanic manager leave, to be replaced by a (so far) less successful coach, but if this truly is the dawn of a new era then it will be worth it. We'll see.

David: Given the new recruitment system uses AI and statistical analysis the switch from Wilder to Selles, based on past performance and achievement, is a massive step in the wrong direction. Trust in the new owners and the board is seriously in doubt for me.

Matthew: It is a shocking decision on a basic football level. Replacing one of the most successful managers the club has ever had - a dodgy VAR call and a last-minute wonder goal from nowhere away from another promotion by the way! - with a guy who's biggest achievement so far is sixth in League One or just nine wins with Hull and barely staying up. However, more worrying is the corporate tone of the statements from the club which imply they want a yes man to dictate ideas to and that they do not respect or appreciate the unique bond that Wilder has with this club and the fans. Unfortunately the Blades will end up in the mid table of the Championship again for the next few years now as a result. Makes me not want to bother watching anymore.

Graham: Totally the wrong move, Wilder is a Blade through and through. He shouldn't have been sacked but then to bring in an also-ran in his place is diabolical. We should have at least brought in someone who has a proven track record of getting teams promoted.

Image source, Rex Features

Sheffield United's decision to part company with boss Chris Wilder has caused quite the stir.

His departure puts an end to a second spell as Blades manager for Wilder, a boyhood Sheffield United fan, who has firmly put his name among the greats at Bramall Lane with two promotions and a run to last season's play-off final.

Here's what you had to say about his dismissal:

Hazim: Wilder brought us to some dizzying heights but we also, at times, showed a lack of creativity. He did the best with what he could and will always be remembered as one of the greats. Some say build a statue, and I wouldn't be against that. Maybe it's best he leaves now with his head held high. I'm only young so I may be foolishly hopeful, but Selles could find his feet with us if we back him.

Rick: Chris Wilder brought passion back to the club and to get 92 points this season after a horrible relegation was incredible. However, I'm inclined to think some poor January signings and the three straight losses taking us out of the top two did for him. On top of that, the poor disciplinary record was probably not an image the new owners want for their club. It's a tough one and I hope it's the right one.

Billy Ray: Best news ever. Wilder should not have been allowed to have a second spell as manager after leaving United before, when the Blades were relegated. A fresh new face was what was needed at the Lane. New owners and now a fresh manager is what is needed.

Tom: I don't know what to think. Wilder will forever be in our hearts for what he's done for the club. But towards the end of the season it was a big fall off from being top of the league to not being promoted. Adding to the fact the new owners are really pushing AI for recruiting players, I think they want a manager who is adaptable to that. My heart says it's a bad decision, my head is saying it's correct.

Andy: As a Blades fan, it is a disappointing decision to part ways with Chris Wilder. Was every decision he made perfect? No. But no manager gets it right all the time. What was important to me was his connection and understanding to the club and the fanbase. There are so few connections like this in football now and I do believe it is something that helped us. Severing that means you are not just getting a new manager - all those connections need rebuilding too.

Chas: Gutted. The best manager the Blades have ever had. Chris Wilder was the beating heart and soul of Sheffield United. His and the players' achievements last season were truly impressive considering the pre-season issues, injuries and then the tragic loss of George Baldock.

Simon: Massive error. He wins football matches, especially at Championship level, and made the connection between the club and the fans stronger and that's a big loss now he has gone. Feels like the new owners don't understand football, the fans, our identity and the city.

James: Huge mistake. Proven Championship quality replaced with proven Championship relegation fodder. With decisions like this, it is likely to be the end of the good times brought back when Wilder took over in 2015. No faith in the new owners after this.

Huddersfield Town have submitted an offer to Leyton Orient to sign 24-year-old midfielder Ethan Galbraith, who has also drawn interest from Charlton Athletic, Sheffield United and Swansea City. (Yorkshire Post), external

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