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Daily marks football success with special supplement

A regional daily celebrated the success of one of its local football clubs with a special supplement.

The Star, Sheffield, marked Sheffield United’s promotion to the Championship, English football’s second level, with the 16-page pullout.

The supplement, which appeared in Friday’s edition, included an interview with manager Chris Wilder as well as members of the team.

Mr Wilder grew up supporting United, and explained to The Star what it means to manage the club you followed as a child.

Blades of Glory

James Shield, The Star’s Sheffield United writer, told HTFP: “It’s been a memorable season at Bramall Lane and this is our way of recognising the achievements of a truly special team. United’s results since Chris Wilder’s appointment have been excellent so, in a sense, the supplement wrote itself.

“But it was made even easier to write because, to a man, it’s a squad full of really down to earth and approachable individuals. The same goes for the staff too. Unfortunately, as many of my colleagues in the job will agree, that’s not always the case.”

“We’ve spoken with some of the key members of the team, including captain Billy Sharp. Like Chris, he’s a lifelong United supporter. We’ve also interviewed former manager Dave Bassett, who has been pretty scathing about some of the club’s managerial appointments in the past, about why he always thought Chris was the right choice.

“There’s also a piece looking back on some of the season’s key moments and, to finish off with, some statistics about how promoted clubs fare in the Championship.”