13/05/2024 6comments  |  Jump to last

Sheffield United manager, Chris Wilder, had some nice things to say about Evertonians and Goodison Park following his side's 1-0 defeat to the Toffees on Saturday on what was very likely his and his team's last match there.

The Blades have been relegated back to the Championship and unless fate throws up a cup tie between the two sides next season, the next time they will play away at Everton it will be at Bramley-Moore Dock.

Their boss also revealed his connection to the city of Liverpool and his belief that the Everton fans will take the spirit of the Grand Old Lady with them to their new stadium.

“I thought the reception we got at the end, similar to Newcastle, was classy from Everton supporters and I did not expect any different," Wilder said after the game.

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“I was just saying to Jack Lester before I came, in 1981 I was invited over by Everton as an associated schoolboy to watch Liverpool Boys v London Boys. There is a connection from a family point of view as well, living in Liverpool and my dad being a Scouser. 

"It has been a bear pit at times. Right the way through the 80s, we all know what special times they were, and I have an understanding of this place being a very tough place when it is rocking.

“Speaking to Graham Stuart and Ian Snodin, who I know well, the design of the new stadium is really important to the supporters and for them to make it have a similar atmosphere.

"[W]hen this place gets rocking they get on the front foot and this is a really difficult place to get a result.

“So I should imagine there are a lot of Evertonians who will be really sad to move away, but it is part of a bright future. I have got a lot of respect for Sean [Dyche] in terms of what he has done and what he is doing at the moment in difficult circumstances, so I wish Everton all the best.”

The feelings of admiration were mutual, with many Everton fans expressing their best wishes to Sheffield United after the classy and good natured behaviour of their fans during the match, in particular the absence of the usual "poverty chanting" that has blighted the visits of other clubs to Goodison this season.

» Read the full article at Liverpool Echo

Reader Comments (6)

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James Flynn
1 Posted 13/05/2024 at 21:06:26
Kind words. Classy yourself, Chris.
Andy McNabb
2 Posted 14/05/2024 at 04:15:35
Wow – for a moment, I thought I was back in the 1960s.

So there is room for sportsmanship and genuine recognition of a job well done by others.

Mike Gaynes
3 Posted 14/05/2024 at 05:45:20
I thought he did a very good job with a very bad roster. Never lost his poise, even when faced with a manager's ultimate nightmare -- the arrival of Mason Holgate in the transfer window.

I have a feeling he'll be managing again in the Premier League someday.

Danny O’Neill
4 Posted 14/05/2024 at 06:33:09
Kind words and he is equally classy in his statement, said with dignity.

Well done Evertonians and well done to the Sheffield United supporters.

Those chants of “Sign On”, “We pay your benefits” and something about bin dippers, are dated and tedious.

Try it when you're the only Everton supporter surrounded by Chelsea fans in the train carriage!!!

Well said Chris Wilder. I wish you and Sheffield United a speedy return.

Peter Mills
5 Posted 14/05/2024 at 07:09:33
We think Evertonians have it tough. My 5-year-old grandson follows The Blades home and away.

When he beat me at Subbuteo on Saturday night (somewhat controversially, he definitely moved too soon to save the final penalty in the shootout) you would have thought he had just won the quadruple.

Sheffield Utd fans are a decent bunch.

Steve Johnston
6 Posted 17/05/2024 at 15:03:18
Peter Mills @5,

Reminds me of my perfect cousin. What I like to do, he doesn't. He always beat me at Subbuteo, cos he flicked to kick, and I didn't know.

I'll get me felt pitch.

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