Chris Wilder's Reaction to Fan Criticism

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has openly criticized the behavior of some fans following the team's unexpected 1-0 defeat to Oxford United. Describing the backlash as "a joke" and "disgraceful", Wilder expressed his disappointment in the reaction towards the players who have shown remarkable performance throughout the season.

The Context of the Criticism

The loss at Oxford was particularly stinging as it prevented Sheffield United from setting a new club record of seven consecutive away victories and from reclaiming the top spot in the Championship. Wilder highlighted the irony of the situation, stating, "If that's what you think of the players then when we do have the good days then don't be clapping, go home, be consistent."

Wilder's Plea for Support

Despite the setback, Wilder remains optimistic about the team's capabilities and the support from the majority of the fans. He emphasized the importance of fan support, especially in the upcoming crucial matches. "We'll need it on Tuesday night because we've got to lift the players because they're disappointed about what happened on Saturday," he remarked.

Analysis of the Game

Wilder admitted that the team's performance was below par, attributing the loss to a lack of quality and rhythm during the game. He also acknowledged the challenging conditions and the strong opposition but refused to make excuses. "We just didn't find that bit of quality, if we had then we'd have scored," he added.

Looking Forward

With the season nearing its climax, Wilder is focused on rallying his team and the fans to push for promotion back to the Premier League. He believes that the recent events will only serve to strengthen the team's resolve and unity. "I know what I would be doing if I was a supporter, I'd be getting right behind this team," Wilder urged.

Conclusion

Chris Wilder's candid remarks serve as a reminder of the pressures in professional football and the critical role of fan support in the sport. As Sheffield United continues their campaign, the focus will be on maintaining team spirit and leveraging the passionate support of their fans to achieve their season goals.