Last time out, Sheffield United had a serious reality check, demonstrating that the drama at the top of the Championship table never lets you down.
In fact, after winning three games in a row in the thrilling division, the Blades lost to Hull City on their home field on Friday night. Ruben Selles’ Tigers’ unexpected 3-0 victory completely soured the atmosphere at Bramall Lane.
Given that his previous promotion sides frequently took pride in their tenacious defensive performances after giving up three goals at home, Wilder will hope that this is only a temporary setback on the path to future success.
Jack O’Connell, who joined the team while the Blades were stuck in League One and went on to taste several promotions as a vital player, is one defensive titan who is still adored from this prosperous time in South Yorkshire.
Jack O’Connell’s importance at United
The 6 foot 3 defender would go on to be a long-standing servant of the club all the way up until 2023 when a heartbreaking announcement surrounding his retirement was made public.
Before that came to be, however, O’Connell was a relied-upon colossus over many a season at Bramall Lane, with the Liverpool-born rock going on to make 177 appearances in total.
O’Connell would go on to establish a reputation wearing Blades red and white as a goal-scoring presence up from the back, with nine goals coming his way during his illustrious tenure at the club. This was in addition to keeping an incredible 17 clean sheets during the 2018–19 season, which more than helped United advance to the Premier League.
Sadly, the defender’s injury problems worsened as his time in South Yorkshire drew to a close, and after so many highlights, he tragically retired two years ago.
However, if this late-season acquisition of the big Englishman goes through, Wilder may be set to win his second iteration of the player. The fervent manager is trying to bolster his team’s defence following a shocking loss to Hull.
The athlete who might develop into O’Connell 2.0
The guy in issue is Jimmy Dunne, a standout for Queens Park Rangers, who was being considered by Wilder and company, according to Football League World a few days ago.
Dunne undoubtedly possesses many of the same exceptional qualities that made O’Connell so well-liked at Bramall Lane. The 27-year-old has been a key goal scorer for the Hoops this season in addition to playing defence like a man mountain.
Looking at the table above, there are many eerie similarities between the two defenders, with both players possessing a similar taste for wanting to be involved in attacks with Dunne boasting four goals this season next to O’Connell’s three.
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