Chris Wilder tapping into Leeds United connection as Sheffield United look for promotion formula
Chris Wilder believes Sheffield United's experienced players will be crucial in an unpredictable Championship campaign, with Kalvin Phillips, Patrick Bamford and Liam Kitching helping to bring leadership and know-how to a youthful squad.
In a season that promises to be incredibly unpredictable, even by the usual wild standards of the Championship, Sheffield United’s experienced players will be worth their weight in gold. That’s the view of boss Chris Wilder after a promising week in terms of both results and performances.
United could easily have ended a three-game week unbeaten but ended up taking six points from Lincoln City, Portsmouth and Bristol City, with three spirited displays reigniting belief amongst some sections of Blades fans.
They were good value for a result at Fratton Park despite being reduced to 10 men, before Pompey took advantage of their extra man and scored an 89th-minute winner.
And a gutsy defensive effort earned three points at Ashton Gate after Oli Arblaster’s excellent opener, with Kalvin Phillips impressing in the middle of the park as he played the entire game.
The likes of Patrick Bamford and Liam Kitching have added valuable experience to a pretty youthful side in some areas and Wilder laughed: “You wouldn't believe it, but I do like Leeds United players. We've got three or four I think.
“Liam Kitching’s an ex-Leeds United player, Joe Rothwell. Kalvin and Pat have been great too. Pat had a slow start to the season, but his contribution was great and just what was needed as well.
“We've got some young players in there and we’re not getting carried away. I said in the week, it’s a rollercoaster year for, I would imagine, maybe 21 or 22 teams in this division. The division is incredibly unpredictable.
“What you need is men, characters, experience to pass on the information. To be leaders. To be men, on days like this where things have gone against us over the last three or four games.
“You have to deal with that. But you have certain players that underpin everything, and they’re the ones that are much needed for us.”
There were question marks in the summer when we revealed United’s desire to bring back Phillips this season, after an underwhelming spell last term which ended after three appearances.
But the signs are that the faith will be repaid, with the former England international looking a class above in his recent performances as United target a turnaround in their fortunes after an inconsistent start.
“The questions are there, and rightly so, regarding Kalvin, because of what he’s done and what he’s achieved,” said Wilder of Manchester City loanee Phillips.
“I wish I’d have achieved exactly what he’s achieved. He wants to play and he’s at a club that loves him to death. He enjoys working for us, so it’s a really good fit.
“Our players look up to him and his attention to detail. When you start talking to him, when you’re delivering a game plan, he’s all over it. He’s fully in, fully committed.
“That’s invaluable to me and the coaches and the other players, when they look at a player who’s played at the very top and is trying to regain a lot of things that have been taken away from him over a few years. He’s not tossed it off. He wants to play football.”