Stoke City manager Mark Robins has publicly backed his Sheffield United counterpart Chris Wilder. Robins' comments come after Wilder faced criticism following a 1-0 defeat to Fleetwood Town last Tuesday, a result that left the Blades with three wins and two losses from their last five matches.
Robins, whose side host Sheffield United this Saturday, dismissed suggestions that Wilder's position is under pressure. "I think Chris is a top manager," Robins told reporters. "He's proven that over a long period of time. People have short memories." The Stoke boss pointed to Wilder's previous achievements, including leading the Blades to the Premier League, as evidence of his quality.
The Fleetwood loss was a frustrating one for Sheffield United, settled by a 57th-minute own goal from defender Rhys Norrington-Davies. It followed a narrow 1-0 home defeat to Wolves the previous weekend, where Raúl Jiménez scored a late winner. Despite these setbacks, the team's recent form shows a pattern of inconsistency rather than a full collapse, with victories over Blackburn Rovers and Bolton Wanderers in the same period.
Wilder himself was visibly angry after the Fleetwood match, criticising his team's performance in strong terms. He has a significant injury list to contend with as he prepares for the trip to the bet365 Stadium. Key players Femi Seriki, Harrison Burrows, Ryan One, Sam McCallum, Tahith Chong and Tyrese Campbell are all currently sidelined, limiting the manager's options.
This context makes Robins' defence of a rival manager notable ahead of a key Championship fixture. The two sides meet in a match that could influence the early-season momentum for both clubs. Sheffield United will be looking to bounce back immediately and improve on a record that shows they have conceded in each of their last five games.
Robins emphasised the competitive nature of the league and the fine margins involved. "It's a tough division," he said. "Any team can beat anyone on their day. Chris will get it right." The Stoke manager's perspective highlights the respect Wilder commands among his peers, even during a difficult spell.
For Sheffield United, the immediate focus is on ending a two-game losing streak. The visit to Stoke represents a quick opportunity for redemption. With several first-team players unavailable, Wilder may have to rely on squad depth. The full list of absentees is available on our injuries page. A positive result would provide a vital boost before the next phase of the season.
First reported at The Sentinel
