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Sheffield United hold on to relegate rivals Sheffield Wednesday to League One

Sheffield United hold on to their 2-1 lead and relegate rivals Sheffield Wednesday back to League One in the process.

We came into this Steel City derby being quite like no other. We knew that Sheffield Wednesday, on -7 points, and 41 points behind West Brom in 21st, would be relegated to League One if they were unable to win at Bramall Lane.

It took just two minutes (72 seconds) for the Blades to go ahead thanks to Patrick Bamford, with Harrison Burrows then doubling the hosts’ lead with 20 minutes played. Just before that, Callum O’Hare saw his shot come back off the near post.

It was a poor start to the second half for Sheffield United, going down to 10-men on 49 minutes after Kalvin Phillips he followed through onto Svante Ingelsson’s knee.

Then Charlie McNeill gave Sheffield Wednesday some hope, cutting in and slotted the ball in at Michael Cooper’s near side.

Chris Wilder’s side regained control as the rest of the second half played out, and held on for a big three points, while also relegating their rivals.

Sheffield United climb up to 14th, their highest place of the season, and move to within six points of the play-offs.

It’s been a season to forget however for Wednesday. They have endured severe off-field turmoil from former owner Dejphon Chansiri’s mismanagement, picked up just one win in 34 league games, no home wins all season, two goals scored across the last 12 matches.

18 points were deducted by the EFL (12 for entering administration in October, then 6 more deducted in December for payment breaches), leaving them on -7 points at the bottom of the table.

Legendary captain Barry Bannan leave in January 2026 having spent over a decade at the club, with the funds used to help keep the club afloat.

The Owls are still stuck in administration, since late October 2025, and seeking new ownership to help the club survive and recover ready for life back in the third tier since the 2022–23 season.

Tempers flared after the final whistle. Sheffield United players were trying to celebrate their derby day, and Sheffield Wednesday suffering the earliest ever relegation in English Football League history.

Sheffield Wednesday boss Henrik Pedersen took his players over to the lower tier, where supporters applauded him and the side.

Pedersen speaking to Sky Sports:

“It’s so sad that it’s happened here (at Bramall Lane). But the bigger picture, it’s so sad that a club like Sheffield Wednesday has been relegated in February.

“We have to keep on working. We have to set high standards again tomorrow and the next day. It doesn’t matter if we are relegated, we want to give the fans as many good games as possible and get on plus.

[On the future]: “We are all looking forward so everyone can get an idea of what will happen with club in the future.”

Sheffield United’s Chris Wilder has been speaking to Sky Sports:

“It was never going to be straightforward and it ended up that way.

“We were comfortable until the sending-off and credit to them they got a goal. We had to see it out after that that even though we should have put it to bed.

“We wanted a fast start and a goal was even better. It was a great ball by Gussy (Hamer) and a fabulous finish by Pat (Bamford). Good players have a pop in that position, but great players pick the right pass.”

Here’s how fans reacted after Sheffield United hold on to relegate rivals Sheffield Wednesday to League One…

@Twiglet_Dan:
This has to be the bottom, right?
No pre-season.
No manager
Best players sold for peanuts
Top goal scorers leaving on a free after not being paid.
Best youth players (next generation) sold.
Captain/club legend leaving.
Relegated by local rivals at their ground.
Bottom? #swfc

@talkwba: Some fans. You’ll be straight back up next season… we may even see you there #wba

@Dale_Harris14: Sydie Peck is a proper fucking loser ain’t he. Just about beat the bitter rivals who are on -7pts and the earliest team to ever be relegated in the Football League whilst you’ve not been above 12th all season and personally you’re absolutely wank #SWFC #SUFC

@_GeorgeSmith99: The outcome comes as no surprise to anyone, let’s be honest; United were always going to win this game. However, it wasn’t the result many thought it would be. Wednesday showed some fight in that second half. All any of us can do is hope the page can be turned ASAP. #SWFC

@1987HLW:
Worst chairman in clubs history
Worst training facilities
Worst manager
Worst captain
Worst players
Only way is up from today #swfc

@NeonBrown10: Right; it’s done now. PLEASE God will the @EFL finally pull their fingers out of their arses and let the new owners get started at Wednesday? 🤷🏻‍♂️ Come on, need to let them rebuild this decimated shambles that Chansiri left us. Time to go again. #swfc 🦉💙🤍

@GP1867: We needed it. Remember it. The club is rubble, clear it, start a fresh. No more plasters over axe wounds, no more chaos, no more dictators. Fucking bring the future. WTID 💙🤍🦉 #SWFC

@PhilipJamesHar2: Relegation was inevitable but to go down in February and to your arch rivals is pretty cruel. Do hope they come back strong.

@NFFCmatthew: Sheffield Uniteds biggest ever achievement sending Wednesday down. Players running around with flags, playing U2 Beautiful Day. Small club syndrome #SUFC .#SWFC good luck next season Wednesday. Enjoy bottling promotion again United.

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