Cardiff City v Sheffield United: Chris Wilder is a chip off the old block, says Neil Warnock

AHEAD of tackling his former club tonight, Cardiff City manager Neil Warnock has heaped praise on Sheffield United counterpart Chris Wilder and proclaimed: 'I see a lot of myself in him.'
Chris Wilder manager of Sheffield United acknowledges the fans after the Championship match at the Riverside (Picture: Simon Bellis/Sportimage)Chris Wilder manager of Sheffield United acknowledges the fans after the Championship match at the Riverside (Picture: Simon Bellis/Sportimage)
Chris Wilder manager of Sheffield United acknowledges the fans after the Championship match at the Riverside (Picture: Simon Bellis/Sportimage)

The Blades make the long trip to south Wales to take on a Cardiff side brimming with confidence after starting the campaign with a hat-trick of victories.

For United, the meeting with their former boss offers a chance to bounce back from the huge disappointment felt at being denied a stoppage-time equaliser in Saturday’s defeat at Middlesbrough by a controversial decision.

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The loss was the club’s first since January, Wilder having led the south Yorkshire outfit to promotion from League One via a 17-game unbeaten run that yielded a phenomenal 43 points.

Cardiff City manager Neil Warnock gestures on the touchlineCardiff City manager Neil Warnock gestures on the touchline
Cardiff City manager Neil Warnock gestures on the touchline

Warnock, a boyhood Blade and the last manager to bring Premier League football to Bramall Lane, has been delighted by the advances made under the former Halifax Town chief.

“I don’t know Chris well, but I was really pleased at what he achieved last season,” said the 67-year-old to The Yorkshire Post.

“I see a lot of myself in him, certainly on Saturday when that linesman ruined his day by disallowing a ‘goal’ that should have stood.

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“He reacted exactly like I would have done in that situation. I really felt for Chris because it was a dreadful decision. He will have worked all week towards getting something from the game and then that happens.

Cardiff City manager Neil Warnock gestures on the touchlineCardiff City manager Neil Warnock gestures on the touchline
Cardiff City manager Neil Warnock gestures on the touchline

“United is a club that always needs someone in charge who gets the club, who knows what it is all about. Chris definitely does.

“Chris has got them firing. Like my Sheffield United team, he has made them hard to beat, but also made sure there is plenty of excitement – plenty of ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ in games. His side like to make things happen.

“What I also like about Chris is how he come up the hard way through management, again a bit like me.

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“I was at Scarborough in non-League and Chris was at Halifax. The experiences you go through in a job like that really help later in your career, as I am sure Chris would tell you.

“That is why I always laugh when I see these ex-Premier League players moaning about not getting a chance in management. Go get your hands dirty in non-League first.”

Warnock, who 30 years ago today led Scarborough in their first Football League outing after making history as the first club to win automatic promotion from the Conference, spent a little over seven and a half years in charge at Bramall Lane.

During that time, United reached the Premier League in 2006 – three years after missing out on a place among the elite via a 3-0 play-off final defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

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“It was awful to see the club down there in League One for so long,” added Warnock, when asked about the Blades’ six-year stay in the third tier. “Especially after what had happened during my time there.

“We set out with the aim of making us the best team in Sheffield and I believe we achieved that. Crowds were about 8,500 when I arrived and 25,000 when I left.

“The Academy was also flourishing and the club was in a good place. I am proud of what we did there. Unfortunately, it didn’t stay like that and they went into League One, but Chris has got them back up now and looking in good shape.

“I am confident United will more than hold their own this year, establish themselves and push on. Having said that, I don’t think Chris is the sort to settle for mid-table because there really is nothing to fear in this division.

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“Especially with the backing of those fans. It is a shame this game is on a Tuesday night as there won’t be as many down as would have been the case on a Saturday.

“But it should still be a good atmosphere. The Cardiff fans remind me of Sheffield United, very passionate and desperate for their team to do well.”

Cardiff, fresh from beating Steve Bruce’s title favourites Aston Villa 3-0 on Saturday, are expecting a tough test against United, who continue to monitor Conor Coady’s situation at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

“When the fixtures came out,” added the Bluebirds’ chief, “the first three always looked a little bit tasty. Burton (who Cardiff beat on the opening day) is my old club, same with United and there was also John Terry’s away debut for Villa. I have already warned my players they will have to work even harder on Tuesday night. Away from home, you don’t have to please anyone so they can come here and play how they want. It will be down to us.”

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United’s Carabao Cup second- round tie against Leicester City will be shown live by Sky on August 22.

Last six games: Cardiff City DLWWWW Sheffield United WWWWWL.

Referee: L Mason (Lancashire).

Last time: Cardiff City 1 Sheffield United 1; August 8, 2010; Championship.