CHRIS WILDER doesn't forget much in football – and it has not escaped his mind as to just where his beloved Sheffield United were after their last meeting with Charlton Athletic.

On the floor.

Picking up the pieces after United's shattering stoppage-time loss to the Addicks - on his 'third coming' at Bramall Lane on September 20 - Wilder candidly acknowledged that he had underestimated the scale of his task, given the positivity and tub-thumping of his first press conference back earlier that week.

On that miserable, wet autumnal day, the lousy Blades suffered an eighth successive defeat in all competitions, the joint longest losing sequence in the club's history.

placeholder image — Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder.

They couldn't buy a goal, let alone a win. Some cynics went further and opined that they couldn't buy a shot on target. The team Wilder inherited were also bottom of the table for duels won and metres run. It was an almighty mess, quite frankly.

Saturday's meeting provides a chance to show United's direction of travel since.

They arrive at SE7 in lower mid-table. It's not something to shout from the rooftops, but it's progress, given that United propped up the table in sorry fashion almost four months ago.

The table is doing them a favour in the present. They are almost as close to the top-six as they are to the relegation zone.

Charlton Athletic's Isaac Olaofe (third left) celebrates scoring their side's goal with team-mates during the Sky Bet Championship match at Sheffield United in September. Picture: Danny Lawson/PA Wire.

After suffering courtesy of Isaac Olaofe’s 90th-minute winner in the reverse fixture, a good result would carry psychological significance today.

These days, United are more structured and experienced; Wilder used the word 'chaotic' to describe his side's home display that day.

They also know their way to goal more. That aforesaid game extended their goal drought to almost nine-and-a-half hours at league level.

Wilder said: "I've got to say, I was shocked when I first came back in..

"I didn't need to ask for time or patience. Because I think everybody saw that. It was off the back of the team getting smashed 5-0 at Ipswich and being absolutely all over the place on so many fronts.

"I would have dreamt I could and would turn it round in 24-48 hours. Looking back at it now, obviously having to deal with the situations we had - (lack of) belief, processes, fitness levels, physicality, attitude. Every part of what you need to win a game...And we played a game opposition.

"Our current form is really good. We're a different side to the one that faced Charlton.

"The last 10 games, if you look from a data point of view, we've been pretty good. We need to keep that consistency.

"There's been recent reminders that if you slip off of it, in terms of the results that we've had, then you can get punished on that.

"But I've got to say our last two (league) performances have been right up there in terms of those we had last season."

Wilder's experience has taught him enough to know that teams managed by Nathan Jones rarely give free lunches out at The Valley, with their big home loss to Southampton back in November being a pretty isolated example.

Charlton's overall recent form hasn't been great, but they are battling. As they did at Bramall Lane in September.

Wilder's respect is genuine. He sees similar traits in terms of ethos between both clubs as well.

He added: "I really like Charlton Athletic as a football club. It's a similar club, a southern Sheffield United in a way. It's is working class. It's tough.

“The work ethic of the team is good and the manager is excellent. He gets his team up for every game.

"They deservedly got through the play-offs. It's not a League One club. They've had a really strong, steady start to life back in the Championship."

Prior to being appointed, first time around, as manager at United, Wilder was on the cusp of being installed as Charlton boss in May 2016.

Fresh from winning the League Two title with Northampton Town, Wilder was given permission to speak to the Addicks.

But all parties failed to reach an agreement. The rest is history as Wilder set sail on a remarkable voyage, first time around, at the Lane.

The Blades chief acknowledged: "There's sliding doors moments in football. And that was one for me.

"I also lived around the area for three or four years when I was a kid, from six until 10. So, I know a little bit about that area and where they train. I also had two loan (playing) spells and really enjoyed my time there. I'm genuinely glad that they're back."

But today, there's unfinished business.