Sheffield United: Ben Whiteman to use pain of last season's failure as motivation

Ben Whiteman believes the pain of failing to win promotion should make Sheffield United even hungrier to achieve success next term.
Ben Whiteman (right) with team mates Billy Sharp and John Brayford 
©2016 Sport Image all rights reservedBen Whiteman (right) with team mates Billy Sharp and John Brayford 
©2016 Sport Image all rights reserved
Ben Whiteman (right) with team mates Billy Sharp and John Brayford ©2016 Sport Image all rights reserved

The midfielder impressed after forcing his way into the first team last season but admitted it proved to be a bitter/sweet experience as United could only finish 11th in League One.

Whiteman, a graduate of the Steelphalt Academy, said: “Hopefully, it will make it all the sweeter if we can do it next year. Every game you play, it hurts when you lose. Especially when you’ve come through the system because this club means so much.”

Ben Whiteman in action against Coventry City last season 
©2016 Sport Image all rights reservedBen Whiteman in action against Coventry City last season 
©2016 Sport Image all rights reserved
Ben Whiteman in action against Coventry City last season ©2016 Sport Image all rights reserved

“It’s just a horrible, horrible feeling knowing that you haven’t set out to achieve what you wanted to achieve. But what we’ve got to do is channel that frustration the right way and make doubly sure it doesn’t happen again.”

United installed Chris Wilder as their new manager after dispensing with Nigel Adkins’ services earlier this month. Wilder, a former United player and lifelong supporter of the South Yorkshire club, is poised to oversee a major rebuilding exercise this summer after releasing 10 and transfer listing another seven members of the squad which, despite starting the campaign as title favourites, trailed eventual champions Wigan Athletic by 21 points.

“It’s a fresh start and a fresh challenge because we’ve got to try and earn places in the manager’s plans,” Whiteman said. “That’s what football is about, constantly trying to show what you can do, what you are capable of and never resting on your laurels. It’s important to always be trying to improve.”

Meanwhile, United have confirmed Sheffield based firm Doordeals as their new back-of-shirt sponsor for next season.

United are scheduled to unveil their new home strip during an event at Doncaster/Sheffield Airport next week.