Sheridan needs time, says rival boss Wilson

Sheridan is under pressure from a section of Chesterfield supporters due to the club’s league position – four points adrift of safety at the bottom of League One – and another defeat at home to Wilson’s Sheffield United today would only intensify the situation.

Wilson, who played for Chesterfield in the early Eighties, said: “Fans have short memories and we accept that as managers and take it with a pinch of salt.

“But I know John will get it right because he is a top manager and will be a top manager for years to come.”

Only six months ago, Sheridan led the Spireites to the League Two title but his team have struggled for goals after losing strikers Craig Davies and Deane Smalley in the summer.

“I am not saying they have been unfortunate but a lot of people don’t understand how tough this league is and what a big step up it is from League Two,” said Wilson, “I watched them many times last year and the style of football they play is terrific.

“Sadly, they lost goalscorers – and any team that does that will have a problem.”

The Blades have not played a competitive game at Chesterfield since 1989 and today will be their first trip to the B2net Stadium which opened two summers ago.

Wilson still has fond memories of his time at Saltergate and spent three seasons under manager Frank Barlow, now his assistant at Bramall Lane.

New signing James Beattie, meanwhile, has confirmed a desire to stay with the Blades all season.