Chris Wilder sends message to Sheffield United fans after back-to-back long-distance away trips
Sheffield United and their supporters faced two long-distance away days in four days this week.
Manager Chris Wilder wanted to ensure Sheffield United’s supporters received the credit they deserved for their backing after making two lengthy away trips less than 72 hours apart, following Saturday’s 1-0 win at Bristol City.
Less than 72 hours after the Blades were beaten 3-2 by Portsmouth at Fratton Park on Wednesday evening, Wilder watched his side return to winning ways on Saturday afternoon with a fully deserved victory at Ashton Gate.
Midfielder Oliver Arblaster scored the only goal of the game with just five minutes on the clock to settle the contest, securing United’s second win in their last three Championship outings.
The Blades were determined to get back on track after being edged out by Pompey in controversial circumstances, following the questionable red card shown to Hamza Choudhury in the first half.
Around 500 Blades supporters made the long midweek trip to Fratton Park, while approximately 1,500 travelled to Ashton Gate. Having felt their support in both games, Wilder believed they deserved recognition for their efforts over the past few days.
Speaking to BBC Radio Sheffield, Wilder said: “They’ve supported us and they’ve backed us. They did so on Wednesday night. They were there until the end.
“They could see our anger and frustration, and we could see their support. It’s been talked about over the last 48 hours at the hotel, among the staff and among the players. I asked this morning how many fans we were bringing down, and it was 1,400, 1,500.
“It’s incredibly difficult at the moment, with the cost of living, as we’ve talked about to do those trips. I should imagine the majority of those 500 were in that 1,300, 1,400 1,500 today. So it was a reward (the win), and hopefully they’ll enjoy their trip back, too.”