Sheffield United: Blades receive big defensive boost

John Brayford is expected to be fit for the start of the new season.
John Brayford is expected to be fit for the start of next season ©2016 Sport Image all rights reservedJohn Brayford is expected to be fit for the start of next season ©2016 Sport Image all rights reserved
John Brayford is expected to be fit for the start of next season ©2016 Sport Image all rights reserved

The defender, a £1.5m signing from Cardiff City, has been nursing a calf injury since March.

But Chris Wilder, who took charge of United last month, confirmed Brayford had reported back for training with the rest of the club’s first team squad yesterday.

Chris Wilder says he players should expect a tough pre-seasonChris Wilder says he players should expect a tough pre-season
Chris Wilder says he players should expect a tough pre-season

“John will be ready, he was out there this morning,” Wilder said. “It’s important they are all out there on the grass and don’t miss much. We take a sensible view and recognise there might be occasions when we have to pull one or two out of training. But they can’t miss much.”

United’s players underwent a series of tests over the weekend before beginning their preparations for the 2016/17 League One campaign in earnest on Monday. Wilder, who led Northampton Town to promotion from League Two last season, added: If you want to play in this team, then you are going to have to be fit. You are going to have to run and press and be positive. If you can’t, or you aren’t, then you won’t be in.”

United start their summer fixture schedule at Stocksbridge Park Steels on July 9 (kick-off 3pm) before heading overseas for a warm weather training camp.

“We’ll be working hard, you can count on that,” Wilder said. “We want the players to enjoy themselves and have fun. But you can only do that if you are successful and you get success by working hard. In every single training session and every single game starting from now.”