Gus Hamer sent Sheffield United challenge after private chat with “not too happy” boss Chris Wilder
Gus Hamer sent Sheffield United challenge after private chat with “not too happy” boss Chris Wilder
Gus Hamer has been privately challenged to come back from his latest Sheffield United suspension at the peak of his powers as the Blades plot a big finish to the current campaign. The influential forward sat out Wednesday’s defeat at Norwich and will complete his two-match ban after tomorrow’s trip to Birmingham City.
Losing one of their key men at such a key stage of the season was a real blow for the Blades, especially for such an avoidable reason. Hamer picked up his 10th booking of the season for a late show of dissent in United’s frustrating home draw with West Bromwich Albion.
He had been walking a tightrope for a while but was tantalisingly close to the 37-game cut-off point which saw cautions reset, which only added to the blow of losing him at a time when the Blades had a real chance of gatecrashing the top six.
Defeat at Carrow Road in midweek has altered the mood somewhat amongst the fanbase but boss Chris Wilder has been keen to remind his side that their season does not finish until the final kick of the final day at Derby County - and having Hamer back, refreshed and potentially fired up, can only help.
Gus Hamer sent Sheffield United challenge after private chat with “not too happy” boss Chris Wilder
Speaking before the trip to Birmingham, Wilder admitted he was “not too happy about the situation” of Hamer’s latest ban and had a private chat with the player about it. Detailing the conversation, the Blades chief said: “Yeah, he knew it. He was disappointed that he obviously picked up the booking.
“I think it was a really poor decision. I think he's an emotional player. His bookings are usually late tackles, but emotionally he plays on the edge as a player. I don't really want to take that away from him.
“But he understands that to lose a key player who was in form, for two big games, is a blow. And I think deep down he understands that and recognises that. And we talked about his impact and influence after Saturday in the remaining eight games.
“It has to be massive, it has to be big. He doesn't owe me anything, it doesn't owe the club anything. His performances have been really good. But I think deep down: ‘Come on, Gus ... make sure you impact the last eight games of the season after missing these two through suspension.’”