Sheffield United chief Chris Wilder unconcerned by slow start

Chris Wilder has endured some tough jobs in football management that his opening week of the season at Sheffield United will not trouble him.
Chris Wilder, manager of Sheffield UnitedChris Wilder, manager of Sheffield United
Chris Wilder, manager of Sheffield United

Back-to-back defeats - including a surprise EFL Cup exit to Crewe - plus the sale of striker Che Adams to Championship side Birmingham City means the Blades host Rochdale at Bramall Lane tomorrow needing a pick-me-up tonic.

But former Halifax Town and Northampton chief Wilder - a self-confessed Blades fan - is undaunted by the challenge.

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“I’ve overcome every hurdle that’s been put in front of me as a manager,” he said.

“I’ve taken on challenges and difficult jobs. We knew this wouldn’t be plain sailing and this is the first bump.

“But we have to show the b******s to get over it. Show strong character. That’s part of being a good footballer, being a good team and being a good squad.”

Today is the first home league match of the season, and Wilder knows the opposition dressing room will have a familiar motivation script.

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Wilder said: “Possibly for another 23 games, I know what the opposition will be saying, you’ve heard it all before. ‘The pressure all on Sheffield United, we’ve got nothing to lose’.

“But whatever I say, what the oppsiotion manager says, doesn’t affect the outcome.

“It’s what happens between three and quarter to five on a Saturday. It’s going to be said, we have to accept it.

“I’m not going to get involved in any of that stuff. As far as I’m concerned every game in this division is competitive.

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“Every manager wants to win. It’s about 11 players getting on with it and getting a result for their club.

“From a psychological point of view, we understand we need to get a win quickly.

“But if the players show the same energy, determination and enthusiasm they have in the first two games and in pre-season, it’s going to happen.

“It takes time to educate players in what you want to do. It takes a little bit longer than a couple of weeks and some pre-season games. But it will happen.”