After a small scare of going three games without a win in January, and losing ground in the promotion race, Chris Wilder recalled Jake Wright to the Sheffield United starting eleven. And it’s no surprise that the Blades have not lost since.
The 30-year-old arrived at Bramall Lane in the summer on a free transfer after leaving Oxford United by mutual consent. The signing was perhaps an underwhelming one for the Sheffield United faithful, but many were unaware of just how important Wright would be for the Blades this season.
The defender left the League Two outfit as club captain and The Us current longest serving player with over 200 appearances. Wilder had managed Wright during his time at the Kassam Stadium and the club had just won promotion to League One.
New Blades boss Chris Wilder had transformed the club’s transfer strategy and Jake Wright fit the mould. Gone were the days of signing players from higher leagues with no desire (I’m looking at you two, Dean Hammond and Conor Sammon). Wilder wanted hungry, passion footballers who would drop everything to play for Sheffield United. The centre-back, who had spent three seasons at Halifax Town in the non-league, had arrived at Bramall Lane to prove his worth.
The Yorkshireman had been a regular for Chris Wilder but January’s trip to Southend United saw Wright dropped to the bench for the next four games. United conceded ten goals in their four fixtures and lost three. Against Peterborough United in February, Wright was recalled. United won 4-0.
Sheffield United had suddenly recognised their secret weapon. Wright’s commanding presence is clear to see and the experienced professional leads his defensive line with ease. The centre-back’s displays in the back three have called some Blades to make comparisons to Chris Morgan.
Wright’s squad number of 13 may be unlucky for some, but that is not the case for Sheffield United this term. The South Yorkshire club sit top of League One and travel to Bristol Rovers on Tuesday.
Jake Wright has accumulated 17 appearances for his new club this season and is yet to lose a game.
