Sheffield United: '˜I couldn't turn Chris down'

Chris Wilder has welcomed Jake Wright to Bramall Lane after previously signing him for Halifax Town and Oxford United

Wright, the former Oxford United captain, played under Wilder at The Kassam Stadium following a successful spell together at Halifax Town earlier in his career.

Wilder signed the centre-half for the third time after he parted company with Michael Appleton’s side last weekend and Wright, who has agreed a two year contract in South Yorkshire, said: “When I learnt of United’s interest there as no way I was going to turn it down. My mind was made up about where I was going to go.

“I’ve been with the manager at two other clubs and so the fact I’ve joined him again tells you how much I respect him. He obviously likes what I try and bring too so that’s a good start. It always good to know you’ve got that confidence. But now my job is to prove him right again.”

Despite their close working relationship, Wright, speaking from United’s training base in La Manga, confirmed he has been offered no guarantees about a starting role next term.

“I nearly joined up with Chris when he was at Bury, as Alan Knill’s assistant, but here that’s the other way around. So they both know a lot about me.

“This is a massive opportunity for me, at a huge football club, and it’s one I’m aiming to take. It’s a real challenge and I’m sure it’s going to help me keep on improving as a player. You can always get better and that’s what I strive to do.”

Jake Wright (right) gets the better of an opponent during his time at Oxford United

Meanwhile, United’s League One fixture at Gillingham has been moved to Sunday 4 September after being selected for live television broadcast.

The match, which had been scheduled to take place on Saturday 3 September, will now kick-off at 2.15pm.