Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder commended his players for their remarkable achievement in reaching the Championship play-off final at Wembley following what he described as ‘an incredibly challenging season.’ Despite being docked two points and finishing 10 points behind the top two teams, Leeds and Burnley, the Blades responded impressively by dominating Bristol City 6-0 on aggregate to secure a spot in the final on 24 May. They will face either Sunderland or Coventry City for a chance to earn promotion to the Premier League.
In an interview with Sky Sports, Wilder expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, stating, “We had everything to lose tonight. We had to work hard and not be complacent, we could have got hurt.” He emphasized the importance of staying focused and finding their rhythm to secure the victory. Despite the triumph, Wilder remained humble, acknowledging that the job was not yet done and highlighting the electric support from the fans.
The manager credited the depth of his squad and the impact of the substitutes in the crucial match, mentioning Kieffer Moore’s opening goal, Gus Hamer’s deflected shot, and Callum O’Hare’s decisive contribution off the bench. Wilder emphasized the importance of having a healthy squad at this stage of the season and commended Bristol City for putting up a brave fight.
Overall, Wilder expressed his pride in his team’s resilience and determination throughout the challenging season, recognizing the hard work and dedication of the players. The Blades are now eagerly anticipating the final at Wembley, where they will strive to secure a coveted spot in the Premier League.