{"remix_data":[],"remix_entry_point":"challenges","source_tags":["local"],"origin":"unknown","total_draw_time":0,"total_draw_actions":0,"layers_used":0,"brushes_used":0,"photos_added":0,"total_editor_actions":{},"tools_used":{},"is_sticker":false,"edited_since_last_sticker_save":false,"containsFTESticker":false}
“I’m a Sheffield United Fan but i want us to lose the Final to Leeds United because….”- Sheffield United fan explains why he wants his side to LOSE playoff final to Sunderland
Sheffield United Fan Shocks BBC with Admission: “I Want Us to Lose the Play-Off Final”
In a surprising twist ahead of Saturday’s Championship play-off final, a lifelong Sheffield United supporter has openly admitted he would prefer to see his team lose to Sunderland at Wembley.
The Blades, who are chasing an immediate return to the Premier League after last season’s relegation, will face Sunderland with a top-flight spot—and around £240 million—on the line.
But for some fans, like BBC Sheffield caller Atkin, promotion is more of a burden than a dream.
Sheffield United’s last stint in the Premier League, during the 2023/24 season, was nothing short of disastrous.
The club earned just 16 points, managed only three wins, and conceded a record number of goals—making for one of the worst campaigns in the competition’s history.
Despite comfortably finishing third this season—10 points off automatic promotion—Atkin says the thought of another grim year in the Premier League fills him with dread.
“The last two Premier League campaigns have pretty much broken me,” he said. “We’ve not been competitive, we’ve been borderline embarrassing at times. I just don’t have the stomach for another season like that.”
He added that he’s not interested in spending hundreds of pounds to watch a game he doesn’t feel passionate about, admitting:
“It sounds strange, but I’ve been a Blade for over 40 years and the Premier League just doesn’t excite me anymore.
I’ve already renewed my season ticket, and I’ll always support the team—but honestly, the fans of whichever club loses on Saturday will probably enjoy next season more.”
Atkin’s blunt take is in stark contrast to the mindset of Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder. The Blades boss made it clear this week that his team is heading to Wembley to win.
“We’re a winning football team,” Wilder declared. “We know how to win, and that has to be our focus. The players are positive, excited, and ready for the challenge.”
“Leading the club out at Wembley, in front of over 80,000 fans, is an incredible honour—but we’re not just there for the occasion. We’re going to do the job and get the result.”
While Wilder and his squad are focused on securing promotion, it seems not every fan shares the same enthusiasm for a Premier League return.
Saturday’s showdown promises to be a dramatic finale—with more than just silverware and finances at stake, but differing visions of what the future should hold.
