WILDER: NO WAY HAVE WE GIVEN IT ALL UP

CHRIS WILDER has urged his players to put some pride back into Sheffield United as he declared: “It’s not all doom and gloom!”

The Blades lie rock bottom of the Premier League, have not won away all season and appear destined for a return to the Championship.

But Wilder is disgusted by suggestions his men have already thrown in the towel as he pointed to the bigger picture at Bramall Lane.

The United boss saw his side thumped 5-0 at home by Aston Villa last weekend (Jack Robinson applauds the fans, right) and today’s trip to Luton has taken on huge importance.

Wilder said: “The narrative is that we’re not very good, that we’re down, and that we don’t try.

“Everyone who knows me understands that’s not the case but we’ve got to bring that identity back.

“I’m not saying it’s completely shifted but I have my opinions on it and I’ve shared those with everyone behind the scenes, from the chief executive to the owner and the board.

“I’m sure they’ll take that on board because we all want the best.

“But it’s not all bad. We’ve had two of the last five seasons in the Premier

League and been in the Championship play-offs.

“So there’s good stuff going on and lots of positive things off the pitch as well.”

Wilder is already planning a major overhaul of his squad in the summer, when he will most likely be preparing for life in the Championship.

The Blades chief insisted: “As a manager, when I’ve experienced defeats like this before, it really galvanises you.

“It’s not saying you ever take your eye off the ball. But it does give you a dig in the ribs and you think ‘Right, the fight is on now.’

“I’ve told the players that as well. It’s easy when everything is going well and the sun is shining. You go one way or the other. You either come out fighting and front it up or you saunter out of the back door.”

Wilder enjoys trips to Kenilworth Road and indulging in banter with Luton fans, adding: “I’ve won there as a player and won and lost as a manager.

“I imagine a lot of their fans will be in the boozer before they come and meet me and my coaching staff.

“It’s all good so long as it doesn’t step over the mark, which it tends not to do there.

“But you do all the talking on the pitch.”