Football League World
·11 November 2024
Football League World
·11 November 2024
The Blades' boss is pleased that Sunday's match-winner chose to join United during the summer.
Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder has admitted that he was pleased Tyrese Campbell decided to join his side over others.
Wilder made those comments to the Irish News after seeing Campbell score the winning goal in the Steel City derby, with the Blades coming out on top in a tight Sunday afternoon clash.
Coming into this game, United were the favourites, but they were unable to take the initiative in the opening 45 minutes.
Wednesday midfielder Shea Charles blazed a shot over the bar, but not much else happened in the first half and it was clear that both sides needed to be more threatening in the final third if they were to win the three points.
In the end, it was the hosts who managed to get themselves ahead at Bramall Lane, with some composed and intelligent play from Gus Hamer giving Callum O'Hare the opportunity to play Campbell in.
The ex-Stoke City man was able to keep his cool and slotted the ball past James Beadle to give United the lead in the 50th minute - and this was a lead the Blades were able to hold on to in the end.
There was jubilation at the Lane at full-time and Campbell would have been especially delighted to have made such an important impact during his first Steel City derby.
It wasn't the most eventful game, but it was an important victory for United and it's one that has taken them into the top two ahead of the international break.
Having started the season on -2 points, the fact they are second in the Championship table is a remarkable achievement and Campbell's contributions since his summer move have aided Willder's side's cause.
Campbell, who left Stoke on a free transfer during the summer, reportedly attracted interest from a number of teams, including Rangers and West Bromwich Albion.
Wilder has even admitted that he had other options, but was glad to see the forward put pen to paper on a deal at Bramall Lane.
After Sunday's game, the Blades' boss told the Irish News: "We’re delighted he chose us, he had other options.
"Physically he was nowhere near it at the start, so he had to work extremely hard. He’s getting the rewards and I’ve got a really talented footballer."
The Blades have benefitted from Campbell, who has been in good goalscoring form recently.
It could be argued that the forward didn't reach his full potential at Stoke, but he has become a key player at Bramall Lane.
If he can continue to score at important moments, that will help to keep him in the starting lineup and that can only be a good thing for the striker.
So far, it's safe to say that his move to South Yorkshire has worked out well.