Chris Wilder has declared Billy Sharp the greatest Sheffield United player of the modern era following the striker's retirement announcement. The Blades manager delivered a glowing tribute to the club legend, whose 22-year career ended this week at the age of 40.

Wilder, who appointed Sharp captain ahead of the 2016/17 season, said the forward was central to transforming the club's identity. "Right up there [with one of the greatest Sheffield United players of all time]," Wilder said. "He’s not got a stand named after him just yet, and obviously somebody else has, and rightly so."

A captain's legacy

Wilder reflected that making Sharp his first captain was the initial major decision of his tenure, aimed at resetting the club's culture. Some questioned the choice at the time, but the manager believed the boyhood Blade was the ideal leader. Sharp responded by scoring 30 league goals as United stormed to the League One title with 100 points, securing promotion. His influence continued as the club climbed to the Championship and then the Premier League, finishing ninth in their first season back and narrowly missing European qualification. Sharp scored 23 goals in all competitions during the 2018/19 promotion campaign.

"Our relationship wasn’t straightforward, which I wouldn’t expect it to be… we challenged each other," the United manager explained. "Just an outstanding personality to work with." Across multiple spells at Bramall Lane, Sharp made more than 300 appearances and scored over 100 goals. He confirmed his retirement while working as a pundit for Sky Sports, having been a free agent since leaving Doncaster Rovers. He bowed out with a hat-trick in his final appearance for them against Peterborough United.

Current context for the Blades

Wilder's praise for a club legend comes as his current Sheffield United side seeks consistency. The team's recent form shows two wins and three losses from their last five matches. They will need to build on their 3-0 win over Lincoln City, where they scored all three goals within the opening 56 minutes, as they prepare for their next Championship fixture away at Preston North End. The legacy of standards set by players like Sharp remains a benchmark at Bramall Lane as the club builds its next chapter.

First reported at Sheff United Way