Gus Hamer, Sydie Peck and Michael Cooper react to emotional Sheffield United exit message | OneFootball

Tom Davies will be departing Sheffield United at the end of the season

Sheffield United will not be in contention for promotion to the Premier League in the closing weeks of the campaign.

Chris Wilder led the Blades to the play-off final last year, but defeat to Sunderland led to his departure as head coach.

However, the 58-year-old returned after just a few months away when Ruben Selles was dismissed in September following five defeats in a row to start the new league season, which saw the South Yorkshire outfit looking nervously at a shock relegation battle.

Wilder has been unable to turnaround the team's form to the extent that they can get back into the promotion picture, with the team now officially out of the running for another top six finish.

But there are still four games left for the Blades to end the term on a high note, with preparations already underway for the upcoming summer transfer window.

Sheffield United will be hoping to get back into the promotion fight next year, with their sights set on a return to the Premier League.

Sheffield United teammates react to Tom Davies’ departure message

One player who won't be a part of such efforts, however, is Tom Davies, whose time at Sheffield United will come to an end with the conclusion of the campaign.

The midfielder has posted a message on Instagram in response to confirmation that he’ll be departing Sheffield United at the end of the season once his contract runs down.

The 27-year-old expressed his gratitude to the club for the opportunity to play at Bramall Lane, thanking the fans for their support, and that his focus is now on figuring out the next challenge in his career.

“I want to let the fans know that, following open and respectful conversations, Sheffield United and I have mutually agreed to part ways at the end of this season,” wrote Davies.

“It has been a genuine honour to represent this club, this city, and our supporters.

“Over the past three years, I’ve appreciated the backing I’ve had from the fans and the friendships I’ve built with teammates, which I will carry with me long beyond my time here.

“Looking ahead, I feel like I’m in a really good place. I am fully fit, healthy, and ready to take on a new challenge.

“I’ll be using the off-season to put in the work with my personal team to ensure I’m in the best possible shape for whatever comes next.

“I’m hungry and motivated for the next challenge.

”I know there’s a lot more to come from me, and I’m looking forward to giving my all in the next chapter.”

Thank you again to everyone connected to Sheffield United for your support throughout my time at the club—it’s meant a lot to me and my family.”

The likes of Michael Cooper, Gustavo Hamer and Peck have all responded with their own messages to Davies.

“Some man,” wrote the goalkeeper, with a raising hands emoji.

“Some fella, love ya mate,” replied Peck, while Hamer responded with three heart emojis.

Davies will have four games left to make one last impression for Sheffield United, with the end of the campaign now on the horizon.

The Blades are out of contention for promotion to the Premier League, but Wilder will be keen to see the team end the term on a high note

The gap to the play-offs is now 14 points with just 12 available to play for, consigning the club to another year in the Championship.

The Yorkshire outfit are 17th in the table, and will now be turning their attention to the upcoming summer transfer window.

It remains to be seen whether Davies will get another chance to play for the side, with his last appearance being as a substitute in the 3-3 draw with Swansea City earlier this month.

Next up for Sheffield United is a trip to face Watford on 18 April in a 3pm kick-off.

Tom Davies will be missed in the Sheffield United dressing room

It never quite worked out for Davies at Sheffield United, and it’s no surprise that the club have opted to let his contract expire.

But it is clear that he will be missed in the dressing room and that he was a popular figure among the squad.

The midfielder’s injury issues are well documented, and that prevented him from ever showing his true potential with the Blades.

The next step in his career will be quite important, and he will have to work hard to prove his fitness over the summer in order to quickly get a new club.