Humble Chris Wilder reveals why he'll never believe he has 'made it' despite remarkable Sheffield United success

The former Blades defender and lifelong fan has achieved unprecedented success in management since taking charge of Alfreton Town in the Northern Counties East League in 2001.

He won four trophies with Alfreton before also tasting silverware at Oxford United, Northampton Town and then United, who he led from League One into the Premier League with two promotions in just three seasons.

This season has been his best yet. When the season was suspended because of coronavirus, Wilder's Blades were seventh in the table and, despite being widely tipped for relegation when the season began, are in contention for a place in Europe.

But still, Wilder takes nothing for granted.

"Other people say 'you're in a fantastic position, what have you got to be worried about' but I do worry," Wilder admitted.

"I do live on the edge and I know from my past experiences that anything can happen in this game.

"I do believe that if you think you've cracked it, you're there and you've landed, there's always a shock around the corner.

"So really staying focused and in the moment is key.

"Of course I walk into Premier League grounds now and someone might mention that, 11 or 12 years ago, I was at Farnborough in the Conference in front of about 890 people!

"But I don't take anything for granted, and certainly not my future or my career."

Wilder was speaking in an interview with UCFB TV. Asked about his approach to management and life, he added: "Just being a good person is really key, and having an honesty when you interact with people.

"Sometimes I'm a bit 'bull-in-a-china-shop' and wish I'd taken a step back and thought about certain situations, but I have a heart-on-sleeve approach. I had a very grounded upbringing and suffered disappointments as well along the way, and so I am down to earth, grounded and very realistic as well."

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