'Stay with him forever' - Chris Wilder hails Sheffield United hero Romelle Donovan after incredible Kop moment
Chris Wilder hailed matchwinner Romelle Donovan and his team as a whole after Sheffield United twice came from behind to beat Bolton Wanderers
Romelle Donovan’s matchwinner brought smiles back to Sheffield United after a difficult period for the team and the club.
A poor display on Saturday at Cardiff brought criticism, while the transfer window brought its own issues which ended with key man Callum O’Hare leaving on the final day; following fellow attackers Andre Brooks and Gus Hamer out the door at Bramall Lane.
United needed something to give them a boost and it came in the form of a superb goal from the always lively Donovan who fired home in injury time against Bolton Wanderers when it looked as though the Blades were headed for yet another draw.
The visitors had been in front after just 30 seconds through Xavier Simons but were pegged back a few minutes later by Japhet Tanganga’s header from a Sydie Peck free kick.
Then Sam Balby put Bolton back into the lead before Patrick Bamford’s tap in restored parity again.
The draw, which probably would have been abour fair, looked likely but Donovan latched onto a Kalvin Phillips pass and rocketed in off the crossbar for a winner to the delight of Wilder.
“I've never had that opportunity to score in front of the Kop, but that will stay with Rom forever,” said the Blades boss. “I'm delighted for him because he was outstanding and now the chat will be about the players that we've lost. We've brought some good players in and I'm delighted for him.
“I'm delighted for the team. It was an end-to-end game. Well, not so much second half.
“From their point of view, I imagine they're disappointed that they've not got a win, but the form of Michael is a huge positive for us. The heart of the team was huge tonight. 1-0 down, 1-1 straight away.
“2-1 down, 2 each. On the ropes for a period, second half, we just lost control and lost a bit of the shape of the team as well. I think they could sniff it as well.
“Michael [Cooper] making some big saves to keep us in it gives us an opportunity of finding that ambition at the end. Great ball by Kalvin and a fabulous finish, as you said, in front of the Kop. Last-minute winner.
“I should imagine everybody understands the emotional aspect of the game and maybe the last 24, 48 hours in losing a popular player.”