Sheffield United's promotion to the Premier League in 2019 had many architects. Dean Henderson, Ollie Norwood, David McGoldrick and John Egan rightly earned the headlines. But one January addition has been largely forgotten despite the insurance he provided during the title run-in.
Wilder's patient pursuit pays off
Chris Wilder had tracked Scott Hogan for months before finally securing his signature. The Blades boss made enquiries during the summer of 2018 but was knocked back by Aston Villa. When January arrived, Wilder moved again.
Understanding is that Hogan had options but chose Bramall Lane specifically. Wilder's admiration was mutual. The striker arrived on loan as the third signing of the window, following Kieran Dowell and Gary Madine through the door.
Wilder was clear about his intentions at the time. He wanted depth at the top end of the pitch. Billy Sharp and McGoldrick had carried the burden brilliantly, but the Blades boss knew one injury could derail everything. Hogan offered a different dimension.
Brief spell, lasting impact
The numbers tell only part of the story. Eight appearances, three starts, two goals. Hogan's contribution looked modest on paper. But his presence allowed Wilder to manage Sharp and McGoldrick's workload during the crucial final months.
Sharp finished the campaign with 23 goals. McGoldrick added 15. The Blades secured second place, five points behind Norwich, ending a 13-year exile from the top flight. Both Villa and Sheffield United celebrated promotion that season, though Hogan's future lay elsewhere.
Career defined by what-ifs
Hogan arrived at Villa Park in January 2017 for £12 million from Brentford, where he had scored 21 goals in 34 appearances. The move never worked. Just 10 goals in 61 games across two years saw him fall out of favour under Dean Smith.
Subsequent loan spells at Stoke and Birmingham followed before the latter became his permanent home. He made 158 appearances for Birmingham, more than any other club, scoring 36 times before his release in 2024. The Premier League dream never materialised.
At Sheffield United, Hogan remains a footnote. But Wilder knew exactly what he was doing when he signed him. Insurance policies rarely make headlines. They just help you sleep at night.
