Sheffield United striker Kieffer Moore has set his sights on promotion to the Premier League after an unbeaten start to the campaign.
The 32-year-old joined the Blades on a three-year deal from AFC Bournemouth in the summer fresh off the back of helping Ipswich Town end their 22-year stay outside the top tier. Moore spent the second half of last season on loan with the Tractor Boys, with his seven goals in 18 Championship appearances playing a pivotal role in Kieran McKenna’s side’s top two finish.
Returning to the Cherries in the summer, he was allowed to move to Bramall Lane for an undisclosed fee, believed to be around £1.5 million. It was one of many arrivals through the door as Chris Wilder set upon rebuilding the squad following their relegation from the Premier League.
Despite starting the campaign with a two-point deduction, the Yorkshire side have enjoyed an excellent start, winning two and drawing two of their opening four games. Moore has started all of those games, bagging his first goal for his new club in a 2-2 draw with Queens Park Rangers last month.
Fresh off the back of earning his 43rd and 44th cap for Wales during the international break, where he scored in a 2-1 Nations League victory over Montenegro, Moore’s attention has now shifted back to domestic football. His team travel to Hull City tomorrow night where they will hope to continue their fine start.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the attacker says the aim is to get back into the Premier League, although admits that there ‘is going to be a process’:
“Make no mistake, this club wants to be back in the Premier League and I think you can just tell by the recruitment and everything else, that it’s all leading in that direction.
“But I wouldn’t say there’s a big overwhelming kind of feeling that we’ve got to get back there. I think it’s going to be a process.
“We’re assembling a really good squad. We’ve got good management and good staff. But, ultimately, I think we need to, as cliche as it sounds, genuinely take it game-by-game.
“There are a lot of new faces in the building, a new playing style, and it’ll take a little time to gel.
“We just need to keep being at it, get as many points as we possibly can and just see where we end up near the end of the season.”
Writer’s View
Kieffer Moore is an experienced operator at this level and one that knows how to find the back of the net in this division. There were many that didn’t have Sheffield United in the automatic promotion conversation at the beginning of the season, but they have made shrewd signings and will fancy their chances.
An unbeaten start is certainly not to be sniffed at, although they will feel they should have more points on the board. They gave away a two-goal lead against QPR to draw at Bramall Lane last month which will be seen as a missed opportunity. Still, the players at Chris Wilder’s disposal are capable of making up the ground on those above them, with leaders Sunderland currently six points above the Blades. It’s still early days and they will be happy that they are somewhat going under the radar.
