OLDEN BALLS! JAGIELKA: Everton took easy way out and let me go, but I knew I still had loads to offer. I love passing on my experience to the younger Sheffield United lads

Brighton v Newcastle, 6pm Sheffield United v Everton, 6pm Wolves v Crystal Palace, 8.15pm

SENT packing by Everton after 12 years’ loyal service, Phil Jagielka couldn’t have envisaged the exciting adventure that lay ahead back at the Blades.

Following the Toffees’ late decision not to give the former England defender a new contract last summer, Jagielka was offered use of Burnley’s training facilities by boss Sean Dyche to stay fit.

A phone call from Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder followed, with a oneyear invitation to utilise Jagielka’s experience and knowledge.

Jagielka recalled how he had leaned on the older professionals during his formative years with Sheffield United after emerging from the Bramall Lane youth ranks.

Tomorrow night he prepares to face Everton – with the Blues in mid-table obscurity and the Blades battling for a Europa League place.

The 37-year-old admits that his departure from Goodison Park could have been handled better, especially when chairman Bill Kenwright had praised him as “one of Everton’s greatest servants”.

Jagielka said: “I would have stayed, given the opportunity.

“At the time, they were after a couple of centrehalves, including Kurt Zouma, who had been on loan from Chelsea. It appeared they couldn’t make their mind up about me. It seemed the easiest decision was to let me go.

“That wasn’t nice to hear, after such an enjoyable time there.”

Marco Silva, who was

Everton manager at the time, had used Jagielka only sparingly in that final season on Merseyside.

“I still felt I had something more to offer,” Jagielka added.

He has made just 10 appearances under Wilder, but there is talk of a new 12-month contract after agreeing to extend his current one past the June 30 cut-off to remain available for the final games of the season.

His path to regular first-team football has been blocked by Wilder’s regular back three of

Chris Basham, John Egan and Jack O’Connell, which also involves a couple of them often overlapping in attacks.

“Overlapping centre-halves isn’t what you want to hear at the age of 37,” added a smiling Jagielka.

“What Chris Wilder has achieved this season has been incredible.

“He’s a Yorkshire guy who speaks his mind and doesn’t beat about

the bush on any issues.” It’s why Wilder (below) laid into the players, following Thursday night’s 2-0 surrender against Leicester City, the Blades boss slamming it as “the worst performance of the season”.

And it’s also why Jagielka’s experience will be used before Everton’s arrival.

“I’ve always been quite chatty, but the more experience you’ve got, the more other younger players will come to you for advice,” he added.

“When I was coming through at Sheffield United, we had older players like Wayne Allison, Stuart McCall and Craig Short – players who had great careers and who you could bounce ideas off. “Now it’s come full circle with me and I’d like to think that if anyone had an issue they can approach me.”

His manager acknowledges that Jagielka is as important off the field as on it as his side continue to confound the pre-season critics who had the Blades marked down as relegation favourites.

Wilder said: “He’s not played as much as he would have liked, but turned up every day in good spirits, cajoling and supporting the group.

“When called upon, he is always prepared to put his body on the line. He is a great example of what we

are at Sheffield United – selfless.”