Midfielder Oliver Norwood says his Sheffield United team-mates are relishing the challenge of trying to secure an immediate return to the Premier League. The Blades find themselves in unusual territory as they prepare for their opening match against Birmingham on August 7. Having become used to the underdog tag in recent years, the players now find themselves as a team expected to be challenging for the end of season honours. As one of the relegated sides coming into the division from the Premier League, they will also be seen as a scalp for the rest of the division, with teams keen to test themselves against one of the best. That’s a challenge Norwood says the players are ready to accept and have already spoken about how they plan to have a ‘good crack’ at promotion.
Oliver Norwood said: “Hopefully the group sees their future at Sheffield United because, personally, I do and speaking to the lads they want to give it a good crack this year and get back to where we all want to be, which is the Premier League,” he said. We enjoyed the experience, the first year was incredible, the second season was difficult but still incredible to be playing in the Premier League against the best players in the world who we have seen now playing at the Euros. It’s where every footballer in the world wants to be and we’re no different.”
One thing Norwood, who is teaming up with new manager Slavisa Jokanovic for a second time having played under him at Fulham, believes stands this side in good stead is the Championship experience within the squad. With a group of players who know their way around this division, he says they can handle the expectations that come with a relegated side.
Oliver Norwood added: “We have to embrace it. Teams will be looking at us as a target to beat us. Coming into the new Championship season, speaking from experience, you always look at the teams coming down from the Premier League and you wanted to prove you are as good as them. Teams are going to be upping their game against us and asking questions, is there going to be a hangover? I think we have the experience and the players to cope with that. It’s important we keep as many of the group together because we understand what it takes to get out of this division, how ruthless this division is and the more players you have who know how to navigate their way through a Championship season the better. We are a team used to winning. It was the first season in five where there wasn’t really success. We have players with past promotions and past experience of being in teams where we are used to winning things, so I am sure we will take it on our shoulders and try and take the club forward towards the top end of the league.”
