Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Oli fired up for Blades’ top return
BY
OLI McBURNIE admits he has unfinished business in the Premier League – after firing Sheffield United back to the big time.
The Scotland striker was signed from Swansea for £20million when the Blades were last promoted to the top flight in 2019.
He netted six times as United finished ninth under Chris Wilder, but the following season was a disaster as McBurnie scored just once and his team were relegated.
After Wednesday’s 2-0 home win over West Brom secured promotion for
Paul Heckingbottom’s men, McBurnie said: “It’s the best feeling I’ve experienced in football.
“We’ve definitely got unfinished business in the Premier League.
“The first season we had there in 2019-20 was excellent and went to plan, but the second year a few of us weren’t really happy.
“It wasn’t really a season – with Covid and playing in front of no fans – so it will be nice to experience all that again and show that we belong in the Premier League.
“The fans have been so good to me the last few years through ups and downs. They’ve stuck with me the whole time and it was emotional coming off on Wednesday with the reception they gave me.”
Heading into yesterday’s clash with Preston, McBurnie had not scored a Championship goal for more than two months.
He said: “I’ve been a little bit dry, in terms of goals, but we’ve been winning, so can’t complain.
“The confidence the manager and staff have put in me and the boys has been unbelievable, so to pay them back is a rewarding feeling.”
United’s success has come despite financial problems and an ongoing ownership saga.
McBurnie added: “That’s nothing to do with us. The board were good and kept hold of our best players.
“We knew if we kept hold of them, we’d have a chance of doing what we’ve done.”