Sheffield United in Malta today

Blades boss Wilson has been delighted with the effort and application the players have shown since he stepped foot on the Shirecliffe training ground a fortnight ago.

Nonetheless, there promises to be no let-up for Wilson’s men as the squad gear up for the League One campaign which gets underway at Oldham Athletic on August 6.

“Players can’t just take a tablet and get fit,” Wilson told The Star. “They have to put the leg-work in and the lads are doing that. They have come back in great spirits and are looking a very determined bunch.

“They want to rectify the disappointment of last year.

“They have to run and work hard and that is what happening. It is a matter of making sure that they are ready for the first game fitness wise.”

Wilson, who celebrated his first win in the dug-out on Tuesday at Worksop, is seeking positive performances and results in the pre-season friendlies to foster a winning mentality at the South Yorkshire club.

In Malta, United will lock horns with Sliema Wanderers and Hibernians next Monday, July 18 and Wednesday, July 20 respectively.

Meanwhile, United are set to officially confirm today that they have agreed to the same shirt sponsorship as neighbours Sheffield Wednesday. It is thought the major deal is worth a six-figure sum to both Steel City clubs.

Two of Sheffield’s biggest companies, thought to be Westfield Health and the Gilders Group, have agreed deals which will see identical logos on both clubs’ shirts.

The Blades, who had been sponsored by the Maltese Tourism Authority for the last three years before the deal ended this summer, have never previously been sponsored by the same firm as the Owls.

The two clubs have opted to stage a press conference at a neutral venue, the Adelphi Room at the Crucible Theatre today