On Wednesday evening Sheffield United confirmed new deals for Billy Sharp, Paul Coutts, Chris Basham and Kieron Freeman.
Captain Sharp, Coutts and Basham have each signed new two year deals with Freeman getting the longest deal; the attacking full back has extended his United deal by three years.
These new deals were crucial for Chris Wilder and the boss told the Official Website the significance of them couldn’t, wouldn’t and shouldn’t be played down.
‘It is a big day for everyone at Sheffield United with these four signing new deals. We cannot underestimate how important it is to have them on board, alongside the new signings and the players we hope to bring in. We are looking for all four to step up a level and enjoy the challenges of the Championship.’
Sharp, well, I think we all know what he did last season, the captain scored 30 goals in his most successful campaign as a United player.
A near ever present in midfield, Coutts was one of those who looked as if he might have had a battle to feature under Wilder when he first arrived as boss with Basham’s versatility priceless for the Blades.
However, the turnaround of Freeman was the biggest success story. Transfer listed when Wilder arrived, clearly not in his first team plans, the 25 year old, which is why he’s got a three year deal, scored 11 goals in 47 appearances in a wingback role to star in the League One winning campaign.
