Chris Wilder explains transfer decision on promising Sheffield United midfielder
Sheffield United have recalled academy product Oliver Arblaster from loan at Port Vale in order to integrate him into their first-team squad. The England U20 international had a strong first half of the season at Vale Park but will return to Bramall Lane in the new year.
Arblaster is presently being treated at Shirecliffe following a serious knee injury received in Vale’s League Cup defeat at home to Middlesbrough earlier this month, and is anticipated to be out for four to six weeks. Arblaster, who is still only 19, will not be included in United’s 25-man squad but might be a key option for Wilder in the second half of the Premier League season.
Wilder and coach Jack Lester were watching from the stands as Arblaster picked up the injury at Boro. “From where we were sat, it looked a lot more serious than it is,” Wilder said. “So we’re delighted with that, but he’s going to be out for a few weeks. But he can do other bits and pieces in and around the group as well, so we’re delighted to see him back.”
Wilder has been a long-time admirer of Arblaster, a Sheffield-born product of their famous youth academy who once celebrated a goal as a ballboy with scorer, and future teammate, Billy Sharp in front of the Kop. United officials subsequently informing their counterparts at Vale of their intention to exercise the break option in his loan spell, with Arblaster officially eligible to represent United in early January.
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“He’ll be coming back. That’s a decision we’ve made,” Wilder confirmed. “Port Vale know and understand that. I think he comes back on the second of January but he’s going to be out for four to six weeks, so we’ll see him maybe at the end of January. I’ve watched him, he’s a local boy. He loves the football club, we love that. Supporters love that.
“That’s not to say that’s the be-all and end-all; there are other boys who haven’t supported Sheffield United but give their all for the football club.” He’s checked the box of League One experience. We could have put him in the Championship, so this was a decision we made. We believe he is more comfortable with us. There were decisions made with Iliman [Ndiaye] about it, as well as decisions made with David Brooks at the time. We could have kicked him out, but we wanted him to be a part of the group and learn about our expectations as a coaching staff and as a manager.
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“I’m getting used to it, and I’m still trying to get in.” He’s a confident young man with exceptional technical ability. He sees a pass and has exceptional ability. When he goes to play internationally, he dominates, which is a really wonderful characteristic for him and his confidence levels. And we believe he’ll be a better fit with us for the final four months of the season.”
Arblaster appeared in 26 games for Andy Crosby’s side, becoming a firm fan favourite throughout his stint at the League One club.
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