Why former Leeds United star says Sheffield United's success is 'not easy to live through'

Former Leeds United star Gary McAllister says Sheffield United’s successful return to the Premier League has been tough to watch for supporters of his old club.
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Chris Wilder’s side beat their Yorkshire rivals to second spot in the Championship last season and have made a huge impact in their first campaign back in the top flight after a 12-year absence.

The are currently sitting in seventh place just a point behind Manchester United in fifth place, which is likely to be the final Champions League spot after Manchester City’s two-year UEFA ban was handed down.

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And Rangers assistant manager McAllister, who was a member of the Whites’ title winning side in 1992, says it hasn’t been easy for Leeds supporters to look on as the Blades have taken the Premier League by storm.

Former Leeds United star Gary McAllister. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)Former Leeds United star Gary McAllister. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Former Leeds United star Gary McAllister. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

“I don’t know if we realise the size of this club outside Yorkshire,” he told France Football. “United is the only club in town, which is extremely rare in England.

“They have to be first in the area, and they see Sheffield United going fantastically with Chris Wilder… it’s not easy to live through.

“But talk to the fans, they are still fully behind them, they believe in them like me.”

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McAllister’s former side were last in the Premier League in 2004 and spent three seasons in League One between 2007-10 following financial turmoil off the pitch.

This season, Leeds, managed by Marcelo Bielsa, currently occupy second spot and are five points ahead of Fulham with 12 games remaining.