Sympathy for Sheffield United fans ahead of gruelling 800-mile double-header
Chris Wilder sympathises with fans that face the potential 800 mile round trip this week
Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder has shown sympathy to travelling fans over the arduous league schedule as they head to Portsmouth and Bristol within four days for a gruelling away double-header.
The Blades face two lengthy trips down south this week as they meet Portsmouth on Wednesday night under the lights at Fratton Park and Bristol City at Ashton Gate on Saturday afternoon.
There are around 223 miles between Bramall Lane and Pompey’s ground and about 180 miles from the Blades’ home to Bristol City.
Those fans who go there and back for both games will rack up an incredible 800+ miles in the space of a few days.
On the matter, the Blades boss said, “I've got to say I do feel for the supporters because I know it's tough out there, cost of living, I get it, ticket prices, travelling.
“I was speaking to my pal on Sunday about it. He's going to both games, and when you stick it all together, two kids and him, you're potentially looking at 200 quid for a single game, £150-200 that turned into a £400 week, so it really does test the love of your football club.”
The United gaffer recognised it was a lot to ask of the fans to travel down to support the team twice in a week, amid the current economy. These latest journeys come after United played in South Wales two weeks in a row earlier in the season due to away trips to Swansea and Cardiff, with a Carabao Cup tie at Blackburn in between.
“I totally understand that we're not going to sell out for both games and applaud and thank everybody who make that effort to try and get to Fratton Park on Wednesday and Ashton Gate on Saturday and hopefully we can give them something to shout about and cheer about,” Wilder added.
The also addressed the importance of using Saturday’s victory against Lincoln City as a turning point to secure some points on the board in order to start climbing the table.
“The good thing about it is, hopefully, we're coming back on Saturday evening with some points in the bag, and we've adjusted our league position and points total, then we're going into two home games, so it's an important period up to the next international break.”