'He’s in the public eye nowadays but he will never change' - Blades legend Bob Booker on Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder

It’s not a sight you’d expect from most top flight managers but, as Booker says, Wilder is man who refuses to change his ways as he continues to mastermind United’s remarkable rise after promotion from the Championship last season.

“Yes, he’s in the public eye nowadays but he will never change,” says Booker.

Their friendship was forged when Dave Bassett signed him from Brentford towards the end of his playing career in 1988.

Midfielder Booker went onto chalk up more than 100 appearances for the Blades and played a key role in their return to the old First Division in 1990 after a 14-year absence.

He left the club in 1991 to return to Brentford but has remained good friends with Wilder, who he says has a ‘great knowledge of football’.

“Chris Wilder was the first player who spoke to me at training when I arrived in Sheffield and our friendship started on that first day,” he said.

“He heard I was living in a hotel and invited me to stay at his house instead.

“Tony Agana and I each had a room there, and then later I stayed with his mum and dad, Joan and Paul Wilder.

“I’m not at all surprised that he has been a success when you look at what he has achieved, starting out at Alfreton and Halifax and getting Oxford and Northampton promoted. And to get Sheffield United, his home town club, to the Premier League is fantastic.

“He has a great knowledge of football, but he doesn’t act like a big-time manager.

“We went out to a pub after they played Aston Villa last weekend and he was with all the locals playing pool and having a drink, the same bloke he was when he was a player. Yes, he’s in the public eye nowadays but he will never change.

“By the way, I beat him at pool.”

Booker also has strong links with Saturday’s opponents Brighton & Hove Albion.

He joined the club as assistant manager to Micky Adams in 2000 and had two spells as caretaker manager before working as Mark McGhee’s number two until he was sacked in the 2006-07 season.

Nowadays Booker works at the Amex on matchdays leading guests on pre-match stadium tours and helping with hospitality, so it’s fair to say he has ‘very mixed emotions’ about Saturday’s clash.

“I played for Sheffield United for four seasons and we got into the promised land that was the old First Division, having late success after many years playing in the lower leagues,” Bob says.

“Then I ended up coming down to Brighton as assistant manager, so they are both clubs that are close to my heart and have played big parts in my football career.

“It is great to see both clubs in the Premier League now. I’m happy to see United there but also Albion establishing themselves as a Premier League club. So yes, I’ve got a foot in both camps. There will be very mixed emotions for me on Saturday.”

- Bob Booker was talking to Brighton & Hove Albion’s official club website.