Budget Blades still look sharp
CHRIS WILDER insists his cut-price Sheffield United can cope with the pressures of a promotion challenge.
The race is entering a critical phase with the Blades up against fifthplaced West Brom at Bramall Lane tonight.
Baggies manager Darren Moore is expected to field £12million 10-goal striker Jay Rodriguez, while Wilder will send out a team that cost little over half that amount.
Last season the Blades’ push for the Premier League ran out of steam in the new year but the United boss says his side, who sit in third place, are stronger now, with six new signings since the summer.
Wilder is looking for another striker in the new year, with Bournemouth’s 36-year-old marksman and England international Jermain Defoe his No1 target.
And Wilder will be armed with a £5m war chest, a chunk of the £11m the Blades picked up when midfielder David Brooks joined Eddie Howe’s side in July.
“We’re better equipped now than back then, both in terms of numbers and experience,” said Wilder..
“What happened last year wasn’t anything to do with mentality and pressure.
“The boys have shown they’re ready to confront whatever gets thrown at them head-on.
“There are some hugely powerful clubs around us and I’ve put my recommendations to the owners about who I want. We all want to be pushing for the Premier League, I do