Sheffield United boss reveals he has been pranked by Sheffield Wednesday fans
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Speaking after United returned to small-scale training this week - over two months after the Premier League fixture schedule was postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic - Wilder admitted players from Bramall Lane and Sheffield Wednesday deserve praise, not criticism, for the work they do in the community.
Remembering how footballers were chastised by some politicians and commentators at the beginning of the health crisis - before it emerged they were raising millions for NHS charities and other good causes - Wilder said: “I thought some of it (the criticism) was a little bit distasteful if I’m honest.
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Hide Ad“I know footballers don’t always get the best coverage but, in the main, these are good lads trying to do the right thing.
“Take Sheffield for example. I know my lads and the boys at Sheffield Wednesday as well do a lot of stuff around here and also the region as a whole that often goes under the radar and the spotlight.
“Football is part of the city and they play their part in that.”
With the campaign expected to start again next month - United are seventh in the table, only five points behind fourth-placed Chelsea having played a game less than Frank Lampard’s side - Wilder joked about his reasons for wanting matches to resume as quickly as possible.
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Hide Ad“The Sheffield Wednesday fans delivering parcels to my door during lockdown, even they’re asking me when do I think football will be back,” he said. “There’s an enormous enthusiasm out there for it I believe, because it (football) is a part of our city.”
With the Bundesliga lifting its own self-imposed ban on competition last weekend, Wilder added: “When you look at the viewing figures for that, the interest here there’s been in it, I think that shows you.
“Okay, it’s not going to be perfect and we’ll have to compromise. But the sooner it’s back - when it's safe - the better.”