A former Premier League midfielder has announced he is expecting to become a father after sharing pregnancy news with the daughter of his manager
16:22, 14 Apr 2026Updated 16:27, 14 Apr 2026
Oliver Arblaster is expecting a child with the daughter of his manager Chris Wilder(Image: Michael Steele, Getty Images)
Sheffield United midfielder Oliver Arblaster and his partner Martha Elizabeth Wilder have revealed they are expecting a baby.
The 22-year-old has played a key role in the Blades pulling clear of the relegation zone after a dreadful start to the season. United’s form turned around when Ruben Selles was sacked and replaced by club hero Chris Wilder.
While their form on the pitch has fallen away, ending any hope of a late play-off push, the mood around the club would have been lightened by Arblaster’s news. The midfielder, who signed for Sheffield United on March 11 2022, was mentioned in an Instagram post by Martha on Sunday April 13 sharing the delightful news.
Oliver Arblaster announced his pregnancy with Martha Elizabeth Wilder
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Posting on Instagram, Martha uploaded a photograph with the caption: “+1” displaying six polaroid snaps of her bump and scans while tagging 22 year old Oliver.
While the baby’s gender remains unknown, friends bombarded the comments section with congratulatory messages and some appeared to hint it’s a boy, with one writing: “Huge congratulations Oli and Martha, that’ll be one cute baby x” while another added: “So happy for you both,can’t wait to meet him.”
Arblaster’s delighted mum, Sarah, responded: “He will be the most loved gorgeous boy I can’t wait to be his Nannie xxxx” Meanwhile fellow footballer Tai Sodje posted: “congrats my boy”.
Arblaster has played two different spells under Wilder(Image: OLI SCARFF, AFP via Getty Images)
Arblaster and Martha announced their big news
Alongside family members Arblaster’s team-mates Femi Seriki and Louie Marsh also congratulated the couple on their heart-warming news.
Arblaster missed out on promotion to the Premier League last season after the Blades were beaten by Sunderland in a last-gasp defeat in last season’s play-off final.
The defeat saw Wilder brutally sacked just weeks after the Wembley defeat. But given how terribly his replacement Selles started – losing all six of his games in charge – the 58-year-old returned to the Bramall Lane dugout for the third time.
Arblaster has been limited to just 17 Championship appearances so far after making his comeback from an ACL injury in December.