Sheffield United: Wilder tells Hammond and Woolford, '˜it's nothing personal

The duo were among seven players transfer listed by Wilder following his appointment last month.

Despite refusing to sugar coat the news - neither Hammond or Woolford are expected to be granted a reprieve - the 48-year-old insisted said: “It’s not a personal decision. I spoke with Harry (Dave Bassett) over the weekend and he did it when he first came here, he made those quick decisions. We’ve got a core that we want to keep and want to work with.

“There’s the academy and there’s the loan system too. We want to get the numbers right, the balance right, the competition right and, most of all, the attitude right.”

Wilder, who played under Bassett during his spell in charge of United, has placed a centre-half at the top of his wanted-list after unveiling midfielder Mark Duffy and full-back Chris Hussey last week. Although others deemed surplus to requirements could yet force themselves back into his plans, Wilder is unlikely to utilise Hammond and Woolford next term.

Meanwhile, United are set to unveil their new home strip later today and major shirt sponsor during the event at Doncaster Sheffield Airport later today.