Wilder rewarded for serving his time

IWAS not surprised Sheffield United started the season with a point at Bournemouth. They showed the resilience and togetherness that served them well in the Championship and have more quality in the squad than people realise.

It’s clear Chris Wilder is going to reward those players who won promotion by giving them an opportunity.

Fulham paid the price for going the other way last season.

A draw earned by a late equaliser from Billy Sharp will make it feel like a win and

Bramall Lane will be bouncing for their Premier League homecoming against Crystal Palace today.

The Wilder story is fantastic, a managerial equivalent to Jamie Vardy. He’s done his teamaking days at Alfreton and Halifax, learned the trade at Oxford and Northampton and put it together in his home city.

He’s obviously had great potential from day one because he’s enjoyed success wherever he’s been, it’s just taken a little longer for it to be appreciated by a wider audience.

There is a lot to be said for coming up the hard way. It hones your skills, not just tactics and coaching but how to deal with footballers and manage people.

It keeps you grounded and appreciative when you do enjoy success. Chris comes across as someone who loves the game. He must have an incredible self-belief to push his way into the Premier League when everyone tells you there is a massive gap between top flight and the rest of football.

It will give inspiration to other managers at a lower level.

It was noticeable that, against Bournemouth, he selected the goalkeeper and back five that he relied on last season.

They aren’t household names but they are a unit that know their jobs and clearly have the manager’s faith.