Chris Wilder drops confident Sheffield United claim ahead of Bristol City | OneFootball

Sheffield United are yet to win a play-off in their nine attempts, but manager Chris Wilder refused to let the past dictate his approach.

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder insists his squad remains focused and positive ahead of their crucial Championship play-off semi-final, despite the weight of the club’s recent post-season history.

The Blades, who have failed to secure promotion through the play-offs in nine previous attempts, head to Ashton Gate on Thursday night to face Bristol City in the first leg, with Wilder confident that his team is ready for the challenge.

"No negativity" at Sheffield United, says Wilder

“There’s negativity in football right the way through isn’t there?” Wilder said to The Mirror when asked about the pressure surrounding the game. Whatever club you’re at, so everybody has to deal with that. But there’s no negativity in this group.”

Wilder, who returned to Bramall Lane earlier in 2023, has overseen a strong campaign that saw United accumulate 90 points.

He believes the squad has responded well to setbacks and highlighted the importance of their bounce-back following the recent defeat to Burnley.

“I’ve been consistent in how the players have been energised after the Burnley game and determined to win a play-off campaign,” he said.

“That reset after the Burnley game has been really important.”

No change in approach from the Blades

United’s approach to the play-offs has not wavered, according to Wilder, who remains clear about the team’s objectives. He said that while the intensity of a play-off semi-final is not lost on him, the focus remains on attacking the tie head-on.

“The proof is in the pudding on Thursday night in our approach, but there’s no change in our approach – we’re going there to win,” Wilder said. “But we understand we’re going to have to play very well to win a football game at Ashton Gate in front of a very passionate and vociferous home crowd.”

Bristol City, who secured their place in the play-offs on the final day of the season with other results going their way, will have home advantage in the first leg. The atmosphere at Ashton Gate is expected to be intense, but Wilder has stressed the importance of maintaining composure and executing their plan regardless of the environment.

The Blades’ preparations, he says, have been sharp and in line with what has worked throughout the season.

“The preparation going into the play-offs has been very good and getting back to winning ways in the manner and style that’s got us into the position we’re in with 90 points,” Wilder said.

Play-offs are the best way to go up

Despite the daunting task that lies ahead, Wilder admits he would prefer to have already achieved promotion and avoided the unpredictability of the play-offs. However, he acknowledged the allure of promotion through Wembley and reflected on his past experience with Oxford United in 2010, when he guided them to promotion from the National League.

“I’d rather be sat on a beach somewhere having achieved something at this moment,” Wilder said. “But I’ve had a little taste of (winning at Wembley) in 2010 and as everybody says, the way to go up is through the play-offs and at Wembley. But we’ve got two unbelievably difficult games before that.”

Wilder’s prior success with Oxford United gives him a rare positive memory of the play-off system, one that contrasts sharply with Sheffield United’s long-running struggles. The club has reached the play-offs across various divisions on nine occasions and failed to win promotion each time.

Their most recent taste of the play-offs was in 2022, when they lost on penalties in the semi-final against Nottingham Forest. Despite this, Wilder is not dwelling on the past and is instead looking to set a new standard with his current squad.