Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder is a throwback.
He stands in opposition to many of the things we associate, and perhaps dislike, about modern football.
The 51-year-old has taken his boyhood club from the foot of League One to the Premier League in less than three years – and he’s done it the old fashioned way.
“It’s not just about chucking a load of dough at it and signing players,†he told talkSPORT.
3
Wilder has orchestrated Sheffield United’s return to the Premier League
“It’s about knitting a team together, organisation, team spirit, work ethic and tactically playing in a way that suits you to gain results.â€
The Blades are not one of the Championship’s financial powerhouses – and Wilder also comes from humble beginnings.
After starting out at non-league Alfreton Town in 2001, he landed his dream job at Bramall Lane following spells at Halifax Town, Oxford United and Northampton Town.
LATEST FOOTBALL NEWS
Entering the Premier League, dominated by foreign managers, the Englishman believes he has proved an important point.
“I’ve struck a blow for the honest, hard-working man that can drive himself to the top of the table. I used to coach my pals on a Sunday morning when I got up on time,†he added.
“There’s a lot said about foreign coaches but hopefully I’ve given a ray of light to English coaches that can do it. I know there are a lot of coaches out there that can do it.â€
3
Sharp has scored 23 goals in the Championship this season
Wilder is overwhelmed with pride, not only with guiding his team to the Premier League, but also with the way he’s done it.
The Blades still have the same spine of players they had in League One, with club captain Billy Sharp leading their climb up the Football League.
“To put ourselves back on the map is absolutely incredible and I’m proud to be involved in it,†Wilder continued.
LIVE ON talkSPORT
talkSPORT is your home of live football! Here's what's coming up on talkSPORT and talkSPORT 2...
- Millwall vs Bristol City (Tuesday, 7:45pm) – talkSPORT 2
- Swansea vs Derby (Wedndesday, 7:45pm) – talkSPORT 2
- Barcelona vs Liverpool (Wednesday, 8pm) – talkSPORT
- Eintracht Frankfurt vs Chelsea (Thursday, 8pm) – talkSPORT 2
- Cardiff vs Crystal Palace (Saturday 5:30pm) – talkSPORT
“We had a struggle to get out of the division [League One] for a few years. We had to reconnect with the supporters and find a style that was suited to the division.
“We wanted to carry that into the Championship. We never changed our approach. We gave ourselves an opportunity to win every game of football by the character and the attitude of the players.
“The journey started with the likes of [Chris] Basham, [John] Fleck, Enda Stevens, Jacko [Jack O’Connell], and Billy Sharp. Five or six of the team that will be playing in the Premier League next year started the journey off in League One.â€
3
The Blades beat Ipswich 2-0 on Saturday
Wilder knows an unimaginable challenge faces his side next year – but he is relishing the prospect.
“I went to Man United vs Man City on Wednesday,†Wilder said. “The feeling of walking through the tunnel at Old Trafford and there’s 73,000 people there. I thought, ‘I’ll have a little bit of this with our players.'”
However, he jokes that he may need to change his pre-match approach.
“Every opposition, we go through their team and put weaknesses and strengths. Now I’m thinking I can’t do that next year!â€
Hoffenheim have bid farewell to 'pure football joy' Reiss Nelson ahead of his Arsenal return. The 19-year-old has enjoyed a productive loan spell in Germany this season, scoring seven goals in 22 Bundesliga games.
Transfer news and football gossip: Gareth Bale in shock loan
George Burley will remain as Scotland manager, the SFA have confirmed. Burley had been fighting to keep his job after failing to lead the country to the play-offs for World Cup.
Toffeeweb: Toffee Mail Bag — January 2007
How Arsenal flop Denis Suarez can win FIVE trophies this season, including the Champions League and Europa League The Barcelona midfielder has cut short his loan spell at the Emirates after
Denis Suarez can win 5 trophies this season including
Tottenham new stadium: Mauricio Pochettino says Spurs' new ground is 'best in the world' and 'must play in the Champions League' "The best stadium in the world must play in the
~ Tottenham new stadium: Mauricio Pochettino says Spurs' new
Executive vice president of the FAI John Delaney has offered to step aside from his role pending the outcome of an independent investigation. Delaney has only recently taken up the newly created job, having left his position as CEO following news of a â ¬100k 'bridging loan' he gave his employers.
The questions the FAI should answer after John Delaney offers
Tottenham transfer news: Lo Celso could offer more to Spurs than Real Madrid target Christian Eriksen Tottenham target Giovani Lo Celso is the perfect replacement for Christian Eriksen and could even be an upgrade on the Danish star, talkSPORT has been told. The talkSPORT 20 hours ago
Latest Tottenham transfer rumours: Spurs identify €60m
Fulham have named Scott Parker as permanent manager for their return to the Championship. The former club captain replaced Claudio Ranieri in February and has impressed the club's hierarchy
Fulham appoint Scott Parker as permanent manager after
Netherlands 3-1 England: Three Lions players being 'brainwashed' to play it out from the back, claims Sam All Sam Allardyce believes England players are being 'brainwashed' to play 9 hours ago
How Dutch side could line-up in UEFA Nations League semi
fussboll.com/2019/06/06/how-dutch-side-could-line-up-in-uefa-nations-league-semi-final-including-manchester-united-and-liverpool-targets/
Koeman's Netherlands face England on Thursday evening Three Lions players being 'brainwashed' to play it out from the back, claims Sam Allardyce.
England vs Netherlands LIVE updates: Nations League semi
Charlton take on Sunderland in the League One play-off final Charlton vs Sunderland: How to listen. Mark Saggers will be hosting our coverage of the big game this Sunday. We will bring you all the build up from Wembley before handing over to our commentary team for the match. Natalie Sawyer will then be on hand for all the post-match news and
Doncaster vs Charlton live on talkSPORT 2: Commentary, stream
Chelsea have reportedly turned down an opening bid from Real Madrid for Eden Hazard ahead of the summer transfer window. While Hazard is reluctant to force his way out of Stamford Bridge, the
Official: Eden Hazard is finally Real Madrid's new transfer
Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino wants his side to train in their new £1 billion stadium before their first match there on April 3 against Crystal Palace . Spurs are holding two test events over the next couple of weekends, the first featuring the under 18 side, and the second a legends game.
Stadium | Tottenham Hotspur
new-stadium.tottenhamhotspur.com
Keep up to date with progress on site with our Live Camera Feed and new stadium interactive time-lapse as well as catch up with the latest videos, images and fan photos. Explore We are creating, what we believe, will be the finest stadium anywhere in the world for spectators, visitors and the wider community, delivering a major new landmark for
Toni Kroos is ready to 'fight' Paul Pogba for a place in Real Madrid's midfield (Picture: Getty) Toni Kroos would relish the challenge of 'fighting' Paul Pogba for a starting spot in
Pogba will cost Real Madrid €120m AND Toni Kroos - NATIONAL
James Maddison is a reported transfer target for four top Premier League clubs. Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester City have all been linked with Leicester's playmaker in recent weeks.
James Maddison: Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham and
No comments:
Post a Comment