WET ’N WILDER
Euro talk gets Chris foaming at the mouth
CHRIS WILDER claims the only way Sheffield United will get into Europe is on their end-ofseason trip to Magaluf.
Wilder has laughed off talk of the Blades qualifying for Europe for the first time in their 130year history, even though they are fifth in the Premier League. “Europe? All that might be for us is an end of season trip to Magaluf, if that’s still going,” said the Blades boss.
“I’m sure it is. That used to be the norm.
“That’s one for the older generation, you used to see 20 or so teams out there at the end of May. That might be the case for us.”
Wilder is at pains to talk down Sheffield United’s phenomenal campaign and they are enjoying their best winning run in the Premier League since 1993. They are also the first promoted team since Burnley in 194748 to be unbeaten in their first nine top-flight away games.
“It’s a tremendous league for us to be involved in and it’s difficult, ruthless, relentless – all the things we have spoken about,” he said.
“So far, so good. The players have done great. In the summer we talked about needing to raise our game in every aspect – tactically, physically and mentally – and they have done that. But you can’t pat yourselves on the back after 19 games. “When the season is done we can analyse it.”
Wilder was mindful of facing Watford at Bramall Lane today even before they beat Manchester United and says new boss Nigel Pearson will be desperate to win because of his Sheffield Wednesday past. The former Owls skipper still lives in Sheffield and Wilder said: “We would have been wary of Watford anyway. “Nigel is known in these parts. He’s a fantastic captain for Wednesday and a really successful manager.
“He’ll definitely want to nail us and beat the old enemy.
“The work that he did at Leicester, they were in a similar position and he turned it around. Who’s to say he can’t do that again?”