EFL star announces he is expecting a baby with his manager's daughter

Ed Griffiths
Mon, 13 Apr 2026 19:56:40 +0000

Sheffield United's Oliver Arblaster is preparing for fatherhood with Martha Elizabeth Wilder, whose father Chris Wilder manages the Championship club.

The 22-year-old midfielder's partner revealed their happy news on Instagram on Sunday evening, sharing a collection of polaroid-style photographs featuring her baby bump, ultrasound images and affectionate pictures of the couple together.

Martha accompanied the post with a simple "+1" caption and a white heart emoji.

The announcement sparked widespread congratulations online, though neither the length of the couple's relationship nor any public response from Blades boss Wilder has been disclosed.

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Fellow Sheffield United players Femi Seriki and Louie Marsh were among those offering their well-wishes beneath the post.

Influencer Daisy Tomlinson also sent her congratulations, commenting: "congratulations angel."

The social media announcement drew an outpouring of supportive messages from friends and family alike.

Martha is currently pursuing a degree in Fashion Business at Manchester Metropolitan University, according to her LinkedIn profile.

It remains unknown how long she and Arblaster have been in a relationship, with the couple keeping details of their romance largely private until Sunday's pregnancy revelation.

Comments from family members appeared to indicate the baby will be a boy.

Arblaster's mother Sarah shared her excitement in a heartfelt message beneath the post: "He will be the most loved gorgeous boy - I can't wait to be his Nannie."

Another family member, Katie Arblaster, expressed her anticipation, writing: "Can't wait for baby Arblaster."

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Additional well-wishers seemed to confirm the gender, with one commenting they "can't wait to meet him" while describing the expected arrival as "one cute baby."

Footballer Tai Sodje also offered his congratulations to the expectant father.

Arblaster has emerged as one of Sheffield United's most promising talents, having progressed through the club's academy system.

The central midfielder made his top-flight bow during the 2023/24 Premier League campaign and has continued developing his first-team credentials since.

This season has seen him feature 18 times, accumulating 774 minutes on the pitch, though his progress was hampered by recovery from a serious ACL injury sustained earlier in the campaign.

Since the new year, he has been restricted to appearances from the substitutes' bench.

The couple have opted not to reveal when their baby is expected to arrive.