Chris Wilder has told Jamie Shackleton he has a big season ahead as the 26-year-old looks to finally put his stamp on Sheffield United two years after joining.
The Blades signed Shackleton on a free transfer from his hometown club Leeds United in 2024 but thanks to a succession of injuries, they have had just two Championship starts – and 13 substitute appearances – out of him.
Wilder's enthusiasm for a player in the final 12 months of his contract, like his continued interest in another loan for Kalvin Phillips seem at odds with his talk about wanting a more robust squad for 2026-27, but quality is important too, and the manager sees that in Shackleton, who can play in midfield or at right-back.
“It’s been a really stop-start situation for Shacks,” commented Wilder. “Turning back to the Harrogate game in pre-season (in 2025), and the Rotherham game, where he was great. He did really well in (that) pre-season and then got injured.
INJUY ISSUES: Sheffield United utility man Jamie Shackleton (Image: Simon Bellis / Sportimage)placeholder image
INJUY ISSUES: Sheffield United utility man Jamie Shackleton (Image: Simon Bellis / Sportimage)
"But he’s played top-end Championship football. He played for Marcelo Bielsa at Leeds and was a really good player for them.
“So, it’s a big season for Shacks. He knows he has to keep fit. We know he has to, hopefully, have that bit of luck on his side as well.
"We're all after all the players to stay fit and stay clear of injuries. But Shacks is definitely part of this group going forward.”
Competition for right-back Femi Seriki is one of the Blades’ priorities in what should be a busy transfer window, despite its slow start. Shackleton could provide that but history shows any appearances from him should perhaps be treated as a bonus, rather than banked on.
The Blades are at League Two Chesterfield in a pre-season friendly on Saturday (3pm).