'An extremely difficult job' - Chris Wilder's Sheffield United challenge assessed by ex-Leeds United man
Ex-Leeds United midfielder David Prutton has delivered a verdict on Chris Wilder’s job at Sheffield United
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has an “extremely difficult job” on his hands, believes pundit and presenter David Prutton.
The Blades have lost just two of their seven Championship games this term, yet the uninspiring nature of some displays have sparked criticism.
Pressure intensified in midweek, when Wilder’s men were dumped out of the Carabao Cup by fourth-tier Fleetwood Town.
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David Prutton on Chris Wilder
On The Essential EFL Podcast, former Leeds United and Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Prutton said: “It is an extremely difficult job that Chris has got on his hands. He’s been asked a lot of questions about it in regards to off-field matters, having to deal with that and making sure to keep the team focused.
“That’s his job but given the type of manager he is he’ll be party to everything going on both on and off the pitch and will be responsible for the PR side of that as well.
“[It’s a] tricky, tricky time for Chris. Maybe he takes a bit of inspiration from what Mark’s (Robins) done with Stoke to get yourself through those tricky times.”
Sheffield United in a tough spot
Sheffield United will visit Robins’ Stoke this weekend, looking to get back to winning ways after a tough week. Prior to their cup exit, the South Yorkshire outfit were beaten 1-0 by Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Wilder was scathing in his assessment of their performance at Fleetwood and midfielder Sydie Peck issued an apology via social media.
The former said: “These are the ones that really sort the men out from the boys. And I think there were a lot of boy performances out there after half-time. So maybe players know better and want to go their own way.
“And ultimately, individually, that will only end in one way. The players have had enough warning and possibly people will be saying ‘well, they're not listening to you’. Well, if they're not listening to me, then there's only one winner on that.
“It has given me so much clarity - in who I can trust, and who’s going to take us forward, and who’s got a lot to do to get themselves back on side and on track with me.”