Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder isn’t messing around this January as he looks to help his side maintain the pace with the Championship’s promotion-chasing sides in 2019.

This time last year, Wilder failed to do any significant business, which eventually led to the Blades dropping out of play-off contention.

So far this month, Kieran Dowell and Gary Madine have arrived from the Premier League, with Wilder getting his business done early and sending a real message to his rivals.

The latter, Madine, is a controversial signing. The 28-year-old previously assaulted a Sheffield United fan, whilst he has had made some interesting comments on Billy Sharp.

Whilst supporters are well within their rights to be cautious after signing the former Sheffield Wednesday man, they should keep an open mind and consider what Madine is brining to the table.

Madine is a physical striker who knows the Championship very well. He’s a young upgrade on Leon Clarke and will provide something completely different to the likes of Sharp and David McGoldrick.

Last year he scored 10 goals for Bolton Wanderers during the first-half of the season before moving to Cardiff City, who he won promotion with. Both spells prove what Madine can bring in the Championship in terms of goals and the promotion race.

He failed to score a goal for Cardiff, but he was an influence on their squad as they edged Fulham to second. Even if he doesn’t score for the Blades, he might still help them over the line in the race for promotion.

The reaction to Madine signing was expected and you can completely understand why some supporters don’t want the striker around, but this is the Championship’s promotion race and the reward for getting up is huge. Differences need to be set aside.

Wilder is showing he’s learnt from his mistakes and he needs the supporters to get behind him.