Although departures were expected following their failure to return to the Premier League, the exits of defender Anel Ahmedhodzic, midfielder Vini Souza and striker Kieffer Moore took out key parts of the side’s spine.
Recruitment was slow and just two loanees, Tyler Bindon and Louie Barry, were in from the start for the season-opener against the Robins, and before the trip to Swansea a week later Selles told media that the club had not done a good enough job in the transfer market.
“With 10 days to go in the transfer window, the Blades had used their locally termed ‘AI-approach’ to sign two unknown players from the Bulgarian league, while three young loanees from the Premier League and Portuguese top flight had also arrived,” Oxley added.
“What followed was a flurry of nine further signings before and on deadline day, including greater experience, long-term deals, eye-catching loans and a significant transfer fee paid for Japhet Tanganga, who was a known target for Wilder.
“Was this always the plan? Or was there a shift in the club’s transfer approach towards the end of the window? We can only speculate, as COH Sports are yet to give any interviews since taking over at Bramall Lane.”
Having brought in experienced striker Danny Ings, Atlanta defender Ben Godfrey on loan and Millwall defender Tanganga on a permanent deal, the Blades were then one of the most active sides on deadline day
Defenders Ben Mee and Mark McGuinness, midfielder Alex Matos and forward Chieo Ogbene all came in, while former club captain Jack Robinson was allowed to leave for Birmingham.
“It’s been a mess of a summer – starting with the sacking of Wilder,” said former Reading and Watford midfielder Jobi McAnuff on the BBC’s EFL podcast 72+.
“From what I’ve seen I’ve not been impressed with Ruben Selles in the way he’s set the team up – he’s not getting the best out of the group yet.
“He maybe wasn’t given the tools he needed to put a team together that can go and get results, which gives him a little bit of an out, but he should be doing better with the squad he has at his disposal.
“But he certainly has no excuses with what he’s brought in now.”
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