Wembley Packed With Former Sheffield United Stars As Blades Old Boys Chase EFL Glory | OneFootball

As the EFL play-off finals return to Wembley Stadium next weekend, there will be a strong Sheffield United flavour running throughout the three showpiece occasions under the arch.

From former fan favourites to players whose time at Bramall Lane was brief and forgettable, a host of ex-Blades will be bidding to help their current clubs secure promotion.

Several Former Sheffield United Players Take Part in Championship Play-off Final

The Championship play-off final on Saturday afternoon sees Hull City take on Southampton in what promises to be a fiercely contested clash, and both sides have several familiar faces for Sheffield United supporters.

Hull’s squad is packed with former Blades, with Oli McBurnie perhaps the standout name among them. After leaving Bramall Lane a couple of summers ago following five seasons in South Yorkshire, McBurnie has rediscovered his confidence on Humberside, netting 17 times and making seven assists, and now stands one game away from a return to the Premier League. The Scottish striker divided opinion during his United career, but his work ethic and knack for important goals ensured he remained a popular figure with many supporters.

Alongside him is midfielder Regan Slater, a product of the United academy who never quite established himself in the first team before moving on permanently. Slater has since developed into a dependable Championship performer and has become a key cog in Hull’s midfield engine room, making 44 appearances for the Tigers in the league this term.

Veteran defender John Egan also lines up for the Tigers after ending his long association with Sheffield United a couple of years ago. The Irishman captained the Blades through some of the club’s greatest modern moments, including promotion to the Premier League under Chris Wilder and a ninth-place top-flight finish. His leadership and defensive nous could prove invaluable on the Wembley stage.

John Lundstram, another man that split opinion from the Wilder era, adds further United representation for Hull. Lundstram was a huge part of the ninth-place finish in the Premier League, bagging five goals, and he now has the chance to write another memorable chapter in his career.

Completing the ex-Blades contingent at Hull is Kieron Dowell, whose time at Bramall Lane was relatively short but still impactful, and he has become an experienced operator in the Championship. His creativity and composure in possession could be important in such a high-pressure encounter.

Southampton, meanwhile, also have former Sheffield United players within their ranks. Cameron Archer will hope to feature against Hull City. Archer struggled for consistency during United’s challenging Premier League campaign but remains a talented forward capable of producing moments of quality, and he could well be an impact sub for the Saints.

Backup goalkeeper George Long is another familiar name for Blades supporters. Long came through the academy at Bramall Lane and spent years around the first-team setup, making over 100 appearances for the club. Although unlikely to start at Wembley, he will undoubtedly relish being involved in such a major occasion.

Ex Blade Looking to Record Fifth EFL Promotion in League One Play-off Final

Elsewhere, the League One play-off final also carries significant Sheffield United interest. Stockport County are expected to rely heavily on the experience of Ben Osborn and Oliver Norwood as they chase promotion.

Osborn, known for his versatility and relentless running during his years at Bramall Lane, remains a dependable and intelligent midfielder capable of influencing big games in the third division. Norwood, meanwhile, was one of the architects of Sheffield United’s rise under Wilder, dictating play from deep with his superb range of passing. And he has the chance to make it five EFL promotions in his illustrious career.

In attack for Stockport is former Blades loanee Louie Barry, who has enjoyed an impressive end to his campaign, scoring four goals in his last five games (including the play-offs). Barry’s brief spell at Bramall Lane never truly got going due to injury issues and inconsistency, but the talented forward has a great reputation at Stockport, previously finding the net 15 times in 23 appearances in the 2024/25 season. He now has the chance to shine on one of English football’s biggest stages.

Their opponents Bolton Wanderers may not feature any notable former Blades, but Stockport’s Sheffield United connections alone give United supporters plenty of reason to keep an eye on proceedings.

League Two Play-off Final Features Former Blades

Finally, in the League Two play-off final, Salford City boast two former Sheffield United players in their ranks.

Ben Woodburn, once regarded as one of British football’s brightest young prospects, endured a deeply disappointing loan spell with the Blades during the 2018/19 promotion-winning season. Injuries and a lack of form restricted his impact, and he made little impression as United secured automatic promotion to the Premier League. However, he now has an opportunity to help Salford climb into League One.

Veteran goalkeeper Mark Howard is also part of the Salford setup as their backup stopper. Howard had a four-year spell with Sheffield United and was widely respected as a decent shot-stopper at League One level during his time at Bramall Lane.