Ricky Holmes signs new deal at Charlton as Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder reveals the club were not prepared to ‘pay over the odds’.
It looks as if Ricky Holmes will be staying with Charlton Athletic rather than joining Sheffield United after signing a new contract at the Valley.
The Sheffield Star reports how the Blades had two bids rejected by the Addicks for Holmes and after putting pen to paper on this new deal, manager Karl Robinson has once again reiterated the forward is going nowhere.
Charlton Athletic’s Ricky Holmes scores their third goal
“The board were very clear, and I was clear to them, that Ricky Holmes was not for sale,” Robinson told the club’s website.
“He wanted to be here. I understood that there were worries about the rumours, but it was clear to see that he was happy.”
United boss Chris Wilder had made no secret about his desire to sign Holmes – whom he worked with at Northampton Town – and the Yorkshire outfit were confident of securing his signature.
However, with the valuation of the winger constantly being increased by Charlton, Wilder explains that he was not going to be held to ransom in negotiations for the 30-year-old.
“I can’t just go and pay over the odds,” the 49-year-old told the Sheffield Star.
“The club has not had a structure in the past and, I believe, has struggled because of that. If you stick to a structure, you get good days and bad days.”
Although it is believed Holmes was tempted by a move to Bramall Lane, after committing to his current side until 2020 it seems as if the time to do that has passed.
There are other attacking prospects on Wilder’s wishlist and it remains to be seen who the former Northampton chief turns to next.
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder
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