Chris Wilder makes Sheffield United demand as Blades target another step forward at Preston North End
Chris Wilder has warned Sheffield United they cannot afford to take their foot off the gas against Preston North End, with the Blades boss keen to build on recent progress and keep his side's growing momentum going.
Sheffield United head to Preston North End tomorrow night looking to continue their recent upturn in form - but Chris Wilder has warned his players against any complacency when they face the Championship's bottom club. North End have endured a torrid season so far.
They have won just one of their 13 games so far and sacked former Blades chief Paul Heckingbottom not long ago, replacing him with Graham Alexander from Bradford City.
But his honeymoon period looks well and truly over, with North End odds on for relegation and a prominent supporter group writing to the club to demand how they plan to “address the decline” of the club.
In contrast United appear to be on the up, having taken 10 points from their last five games and moving to within touching distance of the play-off places.
After their own rocky start, Wilder believes his side are in a good place, both from a mental and footballing perspective. But he is experienced enough to know that things can change quickly, and will remind United they have to be switched on against a Preston side desperate to get their season moving.
"They're always one of those clubs that are really competitive,” Wilder said. “They have Championship players, they’ve been in the division a very long time.
"They'll be desperate to get a win under their belt and get moving forward. The amount of games that we watch, we understand exactly what the Championship is about. If you're not right, you're not ready, your approach is not right and theirs is, anything can happen."
Wilder is nevertheless encouraged by the direction United are heading in, with Friday's victory over Wrexham extending a positive run that has helped restore some confidence around Bramall Lane.
United have had their own challenges this term, with supporter criticism over some of their performances, but the 1-0 win over big-spending Wrexham was their first full-90 minute display of the season and the hope is that they can now build on it.
"We're in good nick, I believe,” Wilder said. “Mentally we're in a good place. The players look as if they're enjoying the football and we've worked hard to build our little momentum.
"I’m not saying it's been outstanding. Not saying every minute of every game has been top drawer. Not saying every result has been top as well. We're working our way along but we’re looking for more.
“We’re always hungry for more. Whether it's myself or Graham, whether it's Sheffield United or Preston. We're looking for more.
"There's still a lot of football to be played right the way through the season. We're always pushing to get into a position, hopefully in the new year, to kick on. While these games come along, it's important that we keep picking up points and moving forward."