What Chris Wilders New Contract Means for Sheffield UnitedChris Wilders contract extension until summer 2028 is an important decision for Sheffield United. The deal adds greater medium-term certainty as the club prepares for another significant squad rebuild and confirms Wilders central role in its football plans.The extension also raises expectations. Sheffield United recovered from a difficult start to finish 13th in the 2025/26 Championship season, but substantial player turnover means further rebuilding is required. With Wilders immediate future settled, attention can now turn towards recruitment, squad development, tactical improvement, and the clubs longer-term objective of returning to the Premier League.The Contract Removes Immediate Managerial UncertaintyResolving Wilders future before the start of the new season provides Sheffield United with greater stability.Players and potential signings now know who will lead the team, while the recruitment department can work towards a more clearly defined football plan. This reduces the uncertainty that can arise when a manager enters a season with limited time remaining on their contract.Wilder can also communicate expectations to the squad without constant speculation about his position. The club can use pre-season to establish playing principles, assess existing players, and identify where further additions are required.The extension represents a strong public vote of confidence from the ownership group. However, the importance of the agreement will ultimately be determined by recruitment decisions, performances, and results rather than the length of the contract alone.The New Deal Raises Expectations for 2026/27Wilders extension changes how Sheffield Uniteds progress will be judged during the 2026/27 season.Promotion will remain the clubs long-term ambition, and supporters will expect the team to move closer to the play-off places after finishing in mid-table. However, the ownership group has not publicly stated that promotion during the first full season of the new deal is a formal requirement.Progress should therefore be assessed through more than the final league position. Important signs will include:Greater consistency across the seasonBetter defensive organisationClearer attacking patternsImproved home performancesEffective integration of new signingsDevelopment of younger playersA reduction in repeated squad disruptionThe contract removes uncertainty about the manager but also increases his accountability. Wilder now has the opportunity to shape the squad over a longer period, so supporters will expect evidence that the team is moving towards a sustainable promotion challenge.Adult supporters who follow Championship promotion markets can check which football odds are currently available through 7bet UK. Betting should be treated as entertainment, with clear limits on both time and spending.Recruitment Can Follow a Clearer Football PlanGreater managerial certainty should make it easier for Sheffield Uniteds recruitment team to target players suited to an agreed style of football.New signings should fit the principles established by Wilder, the recruitment department, and the ownership group. That does not mean every player must have previous Championship experience or match the profile of footballers from Wilders earlier Sheffield United teams.The club needs a balanced approach that considers:Technical qualityTactical suitabilityFitness and availabilityLeadershipAge and development potentialTransfer cost and wagesLong-term resale valueSheffield United have experienced significant squad disruption, so durability should form part of the assessment. The Championships physical demands and congested schedule require dependable players, but physical strength should not be prioritised at the expense of technical ability or tactical intelligence.The objective should be to recruit the right player profiles rather than simply adding experienced names.Building a Squad for Wilders Preferred StyleWilders most successful teams have generally been well organised, competitive, and clear about individual responsibilities. Those principles can remain important without forcing the manager to recreate the exact system used during his previous promotion campaigns.The new squad should be capable of adapting to different opponents and match situations. Wilder may need to adjust formations, pressing structures, and attacking patterns according to the qualities of the players available.This rebuild should therefore focus on intelligent adaptation rather than attempting to reproduce an earlier team.Potential recruits must understand their roles both with and without the ball. Sheffield United will need players who can follow tactical instructions while still offering enough flexibility to change shape during matches.Areas the Club May Need to ReviewSheffield Uniteds precise transfer needs will depend on further departures and arrivals during the summer window. However, the club may need to review several areas of the squad.Defensive depth will be important across a long Championship season, particularly if Wilder intends to use a system requiring centre-backs or wing-backs to perform demanding roles.Midfield creativity may also require attention. The team needs players capable of progressing the ball, creating chances, and controlling matches against opponents that defend deeply.Additional attacking support could reduce the pressure on the leading forwards, while specialist cover may be needed in positions where the squad currently lacks natural alternatives.The priority should be overall balance rather than an uncoordinated transfer wishlist. A successful squad usually includes a mixture of:Experienced Championship playersYounger footballers with development potentialReliable leadersTechnically capable creatorsPlayers able to cover more than one positionThe final squad should be strong enough to compete immediately without creating the need for another complete rebuild the following summer.Wilder and the Owners Must Remain AlignedThe extension suggests that Wilder and Sheffield Uniteds ownership group share a broad vision for the club. The true level of alignment will become clearer through recruitment, budget decisions, and the division of responsibilities.The manager, recruitment staff, and owners need to agree on:Transfer prioritiesAvailable budgetsWage limitsThe balance between experienced and younger playersThe role of academy graduatesRealistic short- and long-term targetsResponsibilities should be clearly defined. Wilder needs enough influence to build a team suited to his approach, but recruitment should not depend entirely on the managers personal preferences.The ownership group must support a sustainable plan, while Wilder must operate within the clubs financial and structural limits.A contract extension does not guarantee that disagreements will never arise. Repeated disputes over players, budgets, or expectations could still undermine stability. Consistent decision-making will matter more than public statements of support.Sheffield United Need a Clear IdentityA successful rebuild should produce a clear and repeatable playing identity, but it does not need to recreate Wilders previous Sheffield United teams.Progress could be measured through:Improved defensive organisationMore consistent pressingClearer attacking movementsBetter control of transitionsFewer avoidable chances concededStronger performances at Bramall LanePlayers should understand their responsibilities, and the team should be able to maintain its structure when matches become difficult.A recognisable style can also help rebuild the connection between the team and supporters. Sheffield United fans are likely to respond positively to a side that competes with intensity, attacks with purpose, and demonstrates visible organisation.However, references to identity and club culture must be supported by measurable improvements. A clear style only has value if it contributes to better performances and results.The Rebuild Should Include Younger PlayersLonger-term managerial stability creates an opportunity for Sheffield United to develop academy graduates through a structured plan.Youth development should not depend only on injuries or a shortage of senior players. Suitable prospects need carefully managed opportunities, clear development targets, and roles that match their current abilities.Experienced players can help younger teammates adjust to senior football, but they should not automatically block pathways into the first team.A successful academy strategy can:Improve squad depthReduce recruitment costsStrengthen the clubs identityCreate valuable long-term assetsGive supporters a stronger connection to the teamThe contract gives Wilder and the club time to plan academy integration across more than one season. That opportunity will only matter if promising players receive realistic routes into senior football.Stability Will Matter Only if It Produces ProgressWilders extension provides greater certainty, but it does not guarantee that Sheffield Uniteds rebuild will succeed.The club must recruit players who fit an agreed plan, improve the squads balance, and reduce the need for repeated short-term changes. Wilder must then turn those resources into a more consistent and organised team.Success in 2026/27 should be visible through measurable progress. Sheffield United need to improve their league position, compete more regularly with the Championships strongest sides, and demonstrate that the squad is developing towards a credible promotion challenge.The new contract gives Wilder additional time and authority to shape another important period in the clubs history. Whether it proves successful will depend on the quality of recruitment, alignment between the manager and owners, development of young players, and clear improvement on the pitch.

Lazio Following Young Schalke Full-Back With Expiring ContractLazio are reportedly tracking Vitalie Becker, a young left-back who rose through the ranks of FC Schalke 04.Lazio Interested in Vitalie BeckerAccording to Sky Sport Italia journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, the Biancocelesti are interested in the 21-year-old, who played an important role in the German clubs promotion to the Bundesliga last season. The youngster contributed with two goals and an assist in his 21 league appearances.Beckers International Options & Playing RoleThe Bottrop native has German and Russian passports, but he currently represents his native country on the international stage, having earned caps with Germanys U17, U19 and U20 teams. Becker originally plays at left-back, but can feature in a more advanced role on the flank thanks to his attacking potency. He has also occasionally played on the left side of a three-man backline.Becker Unlikely to Join Lazio This SummerDi Marzio admits that an immediate transfer remains complicated, as Lazio would have to strike an accord with Schalke. But with the players contract expiring in June 2027, Angelo Fabiani might be able to secure his services for free next summer.Lazios Left-Back OptionsIt should be noted that the Biancocelesti already have an abundance of options at left-back, having signed Alfonso Pedraza on a free transfer from Villarreal. Therefore, the club is expected to offload either Luca Pellegrini or Nuno Tavares, as Gennaro Gattuso certainly doesnt need three options for the same role in the absence of European football.But if Tavares and Pellegrini are both sold, then perhaps Lazio will be able to buy Becker this summer, albeit it remains an improbable scenario.

The WNBA schedule has two games on tap tonight, but who's playing Wednesday?Here's a look at WNBA TV schedule, results, Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark's appeal on her 7th technical foul of the season, and more:WNBA games today: WNBA TV schedule for tonight, Wednesday, July 29, 2026Atlanta Dream at Dallas Wings, 8 p.m. ET, USAGolden State Valkyries at Phoenix Mercury, 10 p.m. ET, USA | CNBCWNBA scores, results: WNBA games for Tuesday, July 28, 2026Washington Mystics 92, Connecticut Sun 82; box score:Connecticut Sun at Washington MysticsMinnesota Lynx 100, Toronto Tempo 93; box score:Toronto Tempo at Minnesota LynxIndiana Fever 105, Seattle Storm 95; box score:Indiana Fever at Seattle Storm; recap:Clark, Mitchell lead FeverLas Vegas Aces 98, Portland Fire 83; box score:Portland Fire at Las Vegas AcesNew York Liberty 113, Los Angeles Sparks 109; box score:New York Liberty at Los Angeles SparksCaitlin Clark technical foul WNBA appeal: How did WNBA rule on Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark's 7th technical foul?A WNBA league source told IndyStar's Brian Haenchen that Caitlin Clark's 7th technical foul of the season would not be rescinded after getting T'd up while leading the Connecticut Sun by 28 points. Should Clark receive her 8th technical of the season, the guard would face a $1,500 fine and a mandatory 1-game suspension without pay. What is Atlanta Dream at Dallas Wings start time tonight, Wednesday, July 29, 2026? When is Wings-Dream WNBA game today?The Atlanta Dream at Dallas Wings game is at 8 p.m. ET Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas.What channel is Atlanta Dream at Dallas Wings on TV today, Wednesday, July 29, 2026? Where to watch Dream vs Wings WNBA game tonightCatch Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream at Dallas Wings via USA on Wednesday, July 29, 2026.Watch Wings vs. Dream WNBA action with a free Fubo trialHow to stream Dallas Wings vs Atlanta Dream tonight, Wednesday, July 29, 2026? Streaming Dream-Wings WNBA game todayWatch Dream at Wings on FuboWhat is Golden State Valkyries at Phoenix Mercury start time tonight, Wednesday, July 29? When is Mercury-Valkyries WNBA game today?The Golden State Valkyries at Phoenix Mercury game is at 10 p.m. ET Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix.What channel is Golden State Valkyries at Phoenix Mercury on TV today, Wednesday, July 29, 2026? Where to watch Valkyries vs Mercury WNBA game tonightCatch Gabby Williams and the Golden State Valkyries at Phoenix Mercury via USA and CNBC on Wednesday, July 29, 2026.Watch Valkyries-Mercury WNBA action with a free Fubo trialHow to stream Phoenix Mercury vs Golden State Valkyries tonight, Wednesday, July 29? Streaming Valkyries-Mercury WNBA game todayWatch Mercury vs. Valkyries on Fubo2026 WNBA standingsWNBA Eastern Conference standingsIndiana Fever (18-10)Atlanta Dream (16-10)New York Liberty (16-12)Washington Mystics (15-12)Toronto Tempo (10-17)Chicago Sky (9-18)Connecticut Sun (7-21)WNBA Western Conference standingsMinnesota Lynx (23-6)Golden State Valkyries (19-8)Las Vegas Aces (19-8)Dallas Wings (18-9)Portland Fire (11-17)Los Angeles Sparks (10-17)Phoenix Mercury (10-18)Seattle Storm (6-24)Chris Sims is a trending reporter for Midwest Connect Gannett. Follow him on Twitter:@ChrisFSims.This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: WNBA TV schedule games tonight? Did Caitlin Clark win technical foul appeal?

The Toronto Maple Leafs made Darren Raddysh one of their biggest NHL offseason investments. Now, expectations are rising before he has played a regular-season game for his hometown team.Toronto acquired Raddysh from the Tampa Bay Lightning in a sign-and-trade on June 19. The Maple Leafs surrendered only a 2026 fifth-round pick before signing the defenseman to an eight-year, $68 million contract carrying an $8.5 million annual cap hit.MORE: Morgan Riellys Maple Leafs exit looms ahead of 2026-27 NHL seasonSpeaking on Leafs Morning Take, host Nick Alberga questioned how quickly Toronto fans would judge the 28-year-old.I think Darren Raddysh has the most pressure, Alberga said. Toronto native, people are going to wonder, was last year a fluke?Alberga added, What happens if Darren Raddysh starts the year and he has two points in the first 10, 15 games?Those concerns stem from Raddyshs breakout 2025-26 campaign. He recorded 22 goals and 70 points in 73 games, setting a Lightning franchise record for goals by a defenseman. He also led NHL blueliners with 10 power-play goals while averaging 22:42 of ice time and finishing plus-21.Darren Raddysh has already overcome bigger obstaclesRaleigh, North Carolina, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Darren Raddysh (43) takes a shot at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn ImagesFormer Maple Leafs forward Jay Rosehill believes Raddyshs career path suggests he can handle the pressure.The thing with Raddysh is he has constantly made steps, getting better, getting better, Rosehill said. He was given nothing. He wasnt drafted with a silver spoon in his mouth, undrafted, had to work, had to work up from the minor leagues, had to work up the depth charts, had to work up to the point where he got to where he got last year.[He] got rewarded for it, rightfully so, and now hopefully he can just continue on that journey of taking steps, proving people wrong.Rosehill added that Raddysh has consistently proved doubters wrong throughout his career.I feel like he could have the mentality to do it, Rosehill said. Theres going to be chatter all over the place, and maybe he can, not hide, but maybe that pressure spreads out a little bit amongst the team, and he can maybe find his form without being the one guy everyones staring at from the drop of the puck.The pressure is understandable. Toronto finished 32-36-14 last season, missed the playoffs, and responded with a major roster overhaul under general manager John Chayka and head coach Jim Hiller. Sergei Bobrovsky, Gavin McKenna, Emil Andrae, Nick Paul, Jack Roslovic, and Colton Sissons also joined the team.MORE: Toronto columnist says Mitch Marner was spoiled & blasts agent for spewing drivelStill, Raddysh remains the centerpiece of Torontos transformation. His $68 million contract was awarded because management believes last season was the beginning, not the peak. The opening weeks of the season will determine whether that belief immediately pays off.

We continue the countdown to the start of the Arizona Cardinals' regular season. Today, Wednesday, July 29, is 46 days away from the Arizona Cardinals' regular-season opener on Sept. 13 on the road against the Los Angeles Chargers.With 46 days until Week 1, let's look back at the 1946 season for the Cardinals.A look back at the 1946 season for the CardinalsIn 1946, the Cardinals didn't have a terrible season. They went 6-5, but that meant a third-place finish in the division. They never won or lost more than 2 games in a row. In the 10-team league, they were third on offense, scoring 23.6 points per game, but they were sixth in poinst allowed, giving up 18.0 per game. 1946 individual leadersQuarterback Paul Christman led the Cardinals in passing. He passed for 1,656 yards, 13 touchdowns and 18 interceptions. He led the NFL, averaging 16.6 yards per completion. Pat Harder was the Cardinals' leading rusher, rushing for 545 yards and six touchdowns. Billy Dewell and Mal Kutner both led with 27 receptions. Kutner had 634 yards, but Dewell beat that with 643 and averaged 23.8 yards per catch, which led the NFL, and he had a league-leading seven touchdown receptions. Kutner also led the team with five interceptions on defense. Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify,YouTubeorApple Podcasts.This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: 46 days till Arizona Cardinals' opener: Remembering the 1946 season

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