Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder 'scratching head' at Sydie Peck negativity as message sent to Femi Seriki
Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder has admitted to being puzzled by negativity towards Sydie Peck - and sent a blunt message to Femi Seriki.
Peck enjoyed a breakthrough 2024/25 campaign, becoming a regular fixture in the Championship despite his tender age,
An all-action midfielder, the 21-year-old won admirers with his tenacity but has seen his form drop off this term.
He has retained the faith of Wilder, who has been left scratching his head by criticism aimed at the England Under-21s international.
Sydie Peck defence
After Sheffield United’s draw with Queens Park Rangers at the weekend, Wilder said: "Sydie, I know there's been a touch of negativity. I'm scratching my head to see why because he gives everything.
“He's a young player coming into his second season in the Championship, with England Under-21s.
“[He] made a horrific mistake last week and came through it, played well at Coventry, and [is] working his way through getting back to form, as a few of them are.”
Femi Seriki praise - and warning
Seriki is another young player who has had a bumpy season so far. His start against QPR was his first since August during the early stages of Ruben Selles’ brief tenure.
The 22-year-old was hailed for his display against the Rs, but also given a stern reminder of why he had been out of the side.
Wilder said: "I thought Femi was outstanding. I think Femi's got to realise as well that he hasn't done enough because I'm not daft, I pick players on form. I pick players that are doing the business, so he's had an opportunity. He should have had an opportunity earlier, but he hadn't done enough.
"I think we are working our way through it as well, in terms of what works and what doesn't. We haven't got a natural right-back at the football club, apart from Femi, who's a 20-year-old in his second season. Femi isn’t going to take you to the top of the division, Femi isn’t going to play 46 games for you in the Championship.
"But when he contributes like he has done, he's a dangerous player like he was last year, so he can take the confidence of him coming through that game.”