Coventry City’s impressive transfer business will act as a template for Sheffield United this summer, says Blades boss Chris Wilder.
The Sky Blues have actually lost two of their key players to United over the last few years, with Gustavo Hamer and Callum O’Hare swapping the CBS Arena for Bramall Lane.
But Frank Lampard’s side swept to the Championship title and promotion to the Premier League this season, finishing 11 points clear at the top of the table.
The Blades finished down in 13th place, in contrast, and Wilder views Coventry ’s transfer strategy as the perfect template as he targets a tilt at promotion to the Premier League next season.
“What Coventry have done well is build and go again,” he said, speaking to The Star.
“If you look at their recruitment, it’s not just about spending huge money. They’ve sourced the right players, the right characters and the right personalities. That has to be our target now.”
Wilder also wants his side to have the same mentality as Coventry next season, pointing to the Sky Blues’ victory at Bramall Lane in February.
“We absolutely murdered them here for 20 minutes,” he said.
“We were aggressive, on the front foot, crossing balls and creating chances. But what they did was stay in the game.
“They defended corners, defended crosses, blocked shots and were prepared to get one in the ******** if they had to.
“That gave them a platform because football is never going to be 95 minutes of one team dominating.
“There are always moments where you have to suffer and get through difficult periods. And that mentality underpins why they finished as champions, and why we finished where we did.”
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