Sheffield United vs Preston North End

UTB 21
UTB: Jack, there is only one
place to start…what a night it was
under the Bramall Lane lights
in midweek. Promotion to the
Premier League secured, mission
accomplished?
JR: “The reaction from the
players, staff and fans when the
full-time whistle went said it all,
we’ve never had it easy here
in my time, but we’ve always
remained together, focused and
determined to prove anybody
who wants to try and shoot us
down wrong. Thankfully we have
a habit of doing that. First half we
were a bit edgy, but we knew we
might have to be patient, West
Brom are chasing a play-off spot
and caused us a few problems,
but kicking towards the Kop
second half, we’ll always back
ourselves to nick a goal and see
the game out. Thankfully Anel
got the second which made
the last 10 minutes or so more
comfortable, but just like against
Bristol City, we remained patient
and trusted the players at the
top of the pitch to produce the
goods like they have all season in
fairness.”
UTB: Would it be fair to
assume the celebrations went on
long into the night and the early
hours of Thursday morning? Is it
now a case of relief about what
has been achieved or excitement
for the future?
JR: “It probably hasn’t sunk
in yet and probably won’t until
we can sit down at the end of
the season and reflect properly,
but the celebrations on the
pitch shows how much it means
to us all, both individually and
collectively and rightly we are
delighted to have got over the
line with three games remaining.
We’ve won 26 times from 43
matches this season, which is
a fantastic record and come
3pm on Saturday we’ll be
focused on going out there and
beating Preston North End. The
celebrations went deep into the
early hours as you’d expect and
there is nothing wrong with really
enjoying the moment because
we’ve put everything into making
sure this season became an
unforgettable one. We’ve won
promotion, that doesn’t happen
every season at any club, so
we’re definitely going to enjoy it
and try and take it all in before
looking ahead to next season.”
“THE CELEBRATIONS ON
THE PITCH SHOWS HOW
MUCH IT MEANS TO US ALL,
BOTH INDIVIDUALLY AND
COLLECTIVELY AND RIGHTLY
WE ARE DELIGHTED TO HAVE
GOT OVER THE LINE WITH
THREE GAMES REMAINING”
UTB: Let’s change tack and
focus on you. The editorial
team knows more than most
that you aren’t one to chase the
spotlight! But how would you
assess your own contribution to
what can now be termed as a
memorable season?
JR: “I’ve enjoyed every minute
of this season, particularly playing
regularly and consistently since
the turn of the year, it has been
SHEFFIELD UNITED vs PRESTON NORTH END