Some notes from Wilder's presser:
Wilder was in good spirits. Hard to read too much of course. Looked fresh and energised.
International Break, Injuries & Absences:
- "Gave the players a few days off, ready for the big push"
- "It's an important period that we've used as well as we could have"
- "Sydie has scored the winner in the world cup final, is how he described it"
- "Vini is back on the grass"
- "Shackleton has been training right the way through the international break"
- "Clarke and Davies are not [on the grass] the moment, but hopefully [will be] in the next 7 to 10 days" When asked whether they will be involved and contributing to games this season. "Absolutely, 100%"
- "Andre Brooks has been outstanding in the last 2 or 3 weeks, He's banging on the door"
- They briefly chatted about Ryan Oné and him captaining the Scotland U21s, and how it was the right decision for them to keep him at the club and not send him on loan in the JTW. "Ryan is another [quality academy lad] and we have high hopes for him"
Looking back on the Wednesday game
- "You can never play these games down, but personally I've quickly moved on"
- For Brewster "to score the winner is massive for him. Huge for us as a football club, but for him it was a big thing. He's had a tough time. He's had to receive criticism. I'm a big fan. A massive reward, a moment like that. One to savour. Scoring a winner in a Sheffield Derby puts you on a different level [with the supporters]. I'm sure he can kick on now."
Looking ahead to Coventry City:
- "I've an enormous amount of respect for Frank Lampard. I love the fact that he loves football, and it shines through"
- "I don't think he gets the credit that he deserves. He could quite easily manage England in my opinion"
- Coventry have "always had a good group of players [this season]. Arguably one of the best in this division, and it's showing now. Frank's come in and done what he needed to do and now they're steaming through everybody"
- "Fabulous away support. Powerful football club. A major, major test for us on Friday night"
- "Even looking back [on the game at the CBS] now, the ref and the linesman got [the red card] completely wrong"
- "It's a mouth-watering game"
- "They're in a rich vein of form, but we're going OK as well"
- "Their approach will be that they believe they can win. They won't sit in. It's all set up to be a great game"
General:
- They spent a bit of time talking about the quality of the academy and that, considering it's only Cat 2, how the lads are breaking into the 1st team, taking those opportunities and contributing in games at the very top of the championship, and also pushing the more experienced players
- Two points in it at the top of the table, how excited are you about the next few weeks? "This is why we're in football. The players have got a real excitement and bounce about them and they're looking forward to it. We need to do it together and that's the key thing. If ever a team has deserved the backing and support of the supporters, it's this group of players. For me now, especially the next 4 home games, the team really deserves and needs a massive push from the punters. I always say it's up to the players to set the tone, but they need the [supporters] help now."
- Bash's big charity Bash, you're going to be in the dugout. How much are you looking forward to that? "A huge thanks to Steve Bettis and the club. It's not a Sheffield United game, it's a South Yorkshire game in my opinion. There'll be representatives from Wednesday and around the region. Bash and the other boys have not yet had the send off they deserve".
- "It's an amazing charity" going on to emphasise how important the machine is that they are raising funds for. "Really looking forward to it. It'll be a magical day. Everyone at Sheffield United are working hard to make this a magnificent event"
- "If we can get this [machine], it'll change lives forever in South Yorkshire, and a sell out has to be the aim"
- He said he hopes there is a game for Billy Sharp "down the line, as well"
- Talking about Gus "is a great guy. He's a major personality in the group. He's front and centre. He enjoys the position that he plays in. He's not stuck on the left wing like people think he is. He doesn't really want to play in a 10. I want to put him on the pitch in a position he enjoys."
- "No doubt he will be in the running for a lot of the awards this year"
- Danny commented that even though he's a boy born in Brazil, Gus really is a Sheffield United style of player. "Yeah, he's got about 12 bookings already"
- "I've not really talked to Steve [Bettis about contracts]. The new owners are in town for the next few days. Steve is in meetings with them. I'll be meeting with them too. No doubt there will be discussions about players"
Interviewers: Adam Oxley, Danny Hall, plus three unnamed juniors again, each asking one question
www.sufc.co.uk
no players injured in training then!
