Brian Deane has attributed Sheffield United's relegation to the club's failure to be ruthless enough in refreshing its squad upon being promoted to the Premier League.
The Blades have slipped out of the top flight at the first attempt and broke the record for most goals conceded in a 38-game Premier League season.
Paul Heckingbottom paid the price for United's woes earlier in the campaign, but replacement Chris Wilder has not been able to turn things around and the club face an uncertain future back in the Premier League next season.
Speaking exclusively to DAZN, thanks to Free Bets, Blades legend Deane questioned how much the club enjoyed their Premier League adventure and wondered if they could have faired better in the transfer market.
Deane said: "I feel for the fans. Last year was amazing in the Championship. I really enjoyed watching some of the football. But if you're a fan, have you really enjoyed watching Sheffield United play this season? I don't think so.
"Premier League football is a gift and a curse. Everybody wants to play Premier League. Everybody wants to watch Premier League, but if you're getting stuffed every week, it's not much fun.
"I think they're going to struggle [next season] because they have a lot of players out of contract. I don't think the plan has been a good one. I think that where they've perhaps gone wrong is they've not refreshed the squad enough. There doesn't seem to be a bit of a plan, so it's a little bit disappointing.
"And when I say refresh the squad, I think over the course of three, four years, they should have been ruthless at times in moving people on. But it's Sheffield United, a club that has massive potential.
"It's just whether or not the plan is going to be a sustainable one and that, from my point of view, is a worry because the club obviously means a lot to me."
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