“We’ve Already Pushed That Button” – Sheffield United Boss Reveals Contract Extension Talks Ahead of Stoke Clash | OneFootball

Sheffield United will look to extend their impressive run of form when they welcome Stoke City to Bramall Lane on Saturday afternoon.

The Blades enter the fixture unbeaten in four and buoyed by three consecutive victories, each featuring three goals scored and three clean sheets in their last four.

Sheffield United’s squad is starting to look healthier as key players return to contention. Tahith Chong featured on the bench at Leicester and is pushing for minutes again this weekend. However, Oliver Arblaster remains absent from the matchday squad as he continues to build up fitness in training. Wilder did reveal that Gustavo Hamer, Chong and Arblaster all played in a behind-closed-door game. Midfielders Tom Davies and Chiedozie Ogbene are still under monitoring as they work their way back from soft-tissue injuries.

Stoke, meanwhile, may once again be without influential midfielder Lewis Baker, who has missed recent fixtures through injury.

Chris Wilder on Coming Up Against Stoke City And Mark Robins

STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 25: Mark Robins, Manager of Stoke City, looks on during the Sky Bet Championship match between Stoke City and Charlton Athletic at Bet365 Stadium on November 25, 2025 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)

Chris Wilder was full of respect when assessing Saturday’s opponents, praising both Stoke’s stature and the recruitment by Mark Robins.

“Good manager and recruited really well. The game’s pretty simple isn’t it? Very good club,” Wilder said in his pre-match press conference. “Stoke City were one of the first teams when we went up in 2017/18… and they’ve not been anywhere near it since. Not been in the top ten when you look at the size of the club and what they achieved under Tony Pulis and Mark Hughes and the backing the Coates family have given the club.”

Wilder noted that despite Stoke’s recent struggles, Robins’ experience and quality make them a dangerous opponent.

“Managers and players have not got it right [there], but it looks as if Mark is on the way to getting it right. Yet again they’ve lost three of their last four, so they know how difficult it is to win games in this division.”

Sheffield United Boss on Callum O’Hare’s Form And Renewing Contracts

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 01: Callum O’Hare of Sheffield United during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield United and Derby County at Bramall Lane on November 01, 2025 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Harriet Massey/Getty Images)

Wilder also highlighted the development of Callum O’Hare, who has added goals and decisive moments to his game this season.

“He was an outstanding player at Coventry and that’s why half the Championship wanted him. We all recognised Callum has the ability to assist and the ability to score. It was a great finish from him against Leicester… Everyone understands his work ethic but he’s paid to produce big moments at the top of the pitch, and we’re delighted he is.”

With improving on the pitch, the club is also working behind the scenes to secure key players for the long term. Wilder confirmed that Sheffield United have initiated discussions over new deals for Gustavo Hamer and Tyrese Campbell, both of whom enter the final 18 months of their contracts.

“We don’t want to lose players on frees… We’ve already pushed that button with Gus’ agent and Ty’s agent. Getting Gus back is huge for us, and Ty is getting back fit and looking a threat.”

The Blades are also in talks with Jairo Riedewald and Patrick Bamford following their impressive contributions since arriving on short-term deals.

“There’s been contact first of all from myself to the players, ‘do you want to?’ I believe they’re all over it and why shouldn’t they be? They’ve been outstanding and delighted with their contributions. I personally don’t want to lose both of those guys so it’s up to us to find a common ground in terms of length and the details of the contract. Steven Bettis is working hard and the board have backed it as well, they understand the importance of the two boys.”

With Sheffield United now out of the drop zone and gathering momentum, another victory on Saturday afternoon against a fourth-placed Stoke side would be an even greater step in the right direction.