Sheffield United: Pre-season conundrum for Chris
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder must decide whether or persevere with the pre-season schedule devised by his predecessor or concoct an entirely new itinerary from scratch.
The Star understands that Nigel Adkins arranged a series of summer friendly matches and at least one training camp before being sacked earlier this month.
Although Adkins was keen to finish United’s preparations for next season with a game against top-flight opposition - Burnley are thought to be among the teams he approached - Wilder’s work at former club Northampton Town suggest he takes a different approach. They faced Derby County and Birmingham City before visiting Sheffield FC ahead of the League Two opener at Bristol Rovers.
Town won their first three matches last term and were eventually crowned champions.
Wilder, aged 48, began the process of stamping his authority on Bramall Lane when Matt Prestridge unveiled as United’s new head of sports science on Wednesday. His responsibilities, according to Wilder, include ensuring the first team squad is “as fit as possible, motivated and ready for action.”
Meanwhile, former United defender Robert Page was yesterday unveiled as Wilder’s successor at Sixfields after leaving Port Vale. Page made nearly 130 appearances for United before joining Cardiff City in 2004.