Chris Wilder shares surprisingly humble reaction to Sheffield United’s failed quest for promotion in ‘insane season’

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Sheffield United have missed out on promotion, with Burnley pipping them to the post, but Chris Wilder has taken it all pretty well.

The Blades went into the clash with Burnley at Turf Moor knowing they would need a huge performance to get the three points that would keep the promotion race open.

However, a star showing from Josh Brownhill, and a predictably strong defensive display from the Clarets was enough to frustrate United and keep them at bay, with Burnley sealing a 2-1 win.

That result secures Burnley and Leeds’ passage to the Premier League via the automatic places, and condemns Sheffield United to the dreaded play-offs.

But, while Chris Wilder took his time to share his thoughts on the situation, the Blades boss has come out in a fairly positive, and very humble mood.

• READ MORE: Burnley vs Sheffield United player ratings as 10/10 Clarets ace seals promotion in style, while 4/10 Blade slips up

Chris Wilder takes defeat with his head held high

Speaking to the press after the game (via BBC Sport), Wilder praised the strength of his rivals Burnley and Leeds, and insisted this promotion race just proves how impressive the Championship is as a competition.

He said: “For those two teams to have the ability to hit 100 points shows what the division is like, and we’re the third best team in the division.

“The season went to the 44th game and we had a right go, and created some good chances. We conceded two poor goals – we have to do better on the clearance and the penalty hands the initiative back to them.

“We would have needed 95, 96, 97 points to go up. It’s an insane season.

“There will be some big games now. The home game [of the play-offs] at Bramall Lane will be off the scale. We’ve got to dust ourselves down and go again and we will do that. We want to go and get 90-odd points, that’s the target.”

Sheffield United fans will now be adding those Championship play-off dates to their diary, and hoping the Blades can finally find success via that route after failing at every opportunity in the past.

• READ MORE: Burnley fans will absolutely love what Scott Parker said after promotion to the Premier League

Championship’s three-horse race has been thrilling, but the best teams won

In fairness to Wilder, he’s absolutely right. Leeds have been rampant on their day this season, and aside from that little blip where they momentarily fell apart, they’ve been the most dangerous team in the division.

Burnley, meanwhile, have been relentlessly efficient. The Clarets have got better as the season has gone on, and it will now be a fascinating fight to the end in this Championship title race.

The problem for both teams now, of course, is what lies ahead. With the gulf between the Premier League and Championship bigger than ever, ensuring they don’t just get relegated again straight away will be a huge ask for both Leeds and Burnley.