adminSheffield United manager Chris Wilder has praised Liam Kitching for prioritising regular football after the defender opted to leave Coventry City and return to the Championship with the Blades.
The 26-year-old centre-back has joined Sheffield United on a season-long loan after finding himself further down the defensive pecking order at Coventry.
Frank Lampard strengthened his options at centre-back during the summer by bringing in three new defenders, increasing competition for places and making Kitching’s route into the first team more difficult.
Kitching played a key role in Coventry’s impressive Championship campaign last season, making 38 league appearances as the club secured the title. Wilder believes that experience makes him an ideal addition to Sheffield United as they look to achieve their own objectives this season.
Speaking to the Sheffield Star, Wilder explained that Kitching’s arrival was an example of why patience during the transfer window can sometimes pay off.
The Blades boss said the defender has established himself among the better players in the Championship in recent seasons and pointed to his statistics from Coventry’s title-winning campaign as evidence of his quality.
Wilder also highlighted Kitching’s familiarity with the division, stressing that Sheffield United have brought in someone who already understands what it takes to compete successfully at this level.
Kitching’s Yorkshire background was another factor that appealed to Wilder.
Born and raised in Harrogate, the defender previously spent time with Barnsley before making the move to Coventry, meaning he already has strong connections with the region.
Wilder was particularly impressed by the player’s attitude during negotiations. After receiving permission to speak with Sheffield United, Kitching drove himself to the club’s Shirecliffe training ground, met with Wilder and quickly agreed to the move.
For Wilder, that straightforward approach demonstrated exactly the kind of desire he wants from his players.
Kitching could have remained at Coventry and attempted to fight for his place in a Premier League squad following their promotion, but instead chose the opportunity to play regularly in the Championship.
That decision appears to have impressed Wilder, who sees the defender’s hunger for consistent first-team football as another major positive.
Kitching himself is eager to get started and believes Sheffield United are capable of achieving their ambitions this season.
The defender admitted the move came together quickly but said he was excited about meeting his new teammates and experiencing the atmosphere created by the club’s supporters.
His main objective is to play consistently and help Sheffield United return to where he believes they belong.
Kitching also revealed his admiration for Wilder’s teams, describing them as hard-working, difficult opponents who always give everything for the shirt.
The defender believes those qualities match his own style of play and promised to give maximum effort whenever called upon.
With his Championship experience, knowledge of the division and desire for regular football, Kitching now has the opportunity to become an important part of Sheffield United’s campaign.
Wilder will be hoping the decision to bring the Yorkshire-born defender back to the Championship proves to be another smart piece of business for the Blades.
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