Chris Wilder talks up importance of ‘culture’ after Sheffield United 2-0 Stoke City, play-offs ‘balance’ in mind

Add as preferred source on Google

Chris Wilder and Sheffield United returned to winning ways with a 13th away win of the season after coasting past Stoke City 2-0.

The Blades had lost four of the last five heading into the game, but won their second in three games after a 2-1 loss on Monday to Burnley ended their automatic promotion hopes.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
1	LeedsLeeds	44	27	13	4	89	29	60	94
2	BurnleyBurnley	44	26	16	2	61	15	46	94
3	Sheff UtdSheffield Utd	44	27	7	10	60	35	25	86
4	SunderlandSunderland	44	21	13	10	58	41	17	76

An unwanted record awaits Sheffield United if they aren’t careful over the next games, including in a difficult play-off schedule for Chris Wilder to also navigate.

But Sam McCallum and Andre Brooks’ goals will have pleased the Blades boss. Neither of them are regular starters, and having fringe players hit form prior to the play-offs could be vital.

• READ MORE: EFL expert outlines the reasons why Burnley have been promoted to the Premier League ahead of Sheffield United

Chris Wilder’s reaction to Stoke City 0-2 Sheffield United

It was a solid all-round performance, which was exemplified in our player ratings against Stoke. Pleasingly so, given the ‘feisty’ nature of the game and the fact some pundits had even backed Stoke to win.

Speaking to Sky Sports post-match, Wilder outlined his thoughts: “Yeah, I think we deserved that from how well we’ve played all season away from home. We’ve had a really good away record.

“To get back to winning ways on the road, I thought our punters were amazing as well. We had to withstand a little bit of pressure but we started the game off on the front foot. To score two away from home and keep a clean sheet is great for all of us.

“It gives us a bit of confidence and a little bit more belief. We’re trying to gain a little bit of momentum going into next Saturday now and, obviously, the play-offs.

“Get the balance right. We don’t want to lose any momentum. That was key. Over the next two games, I’ve talked at length about the players deserve to go deep into the 90s. Because of what they’ve done so far this season.

“That was key to balancing it off and resting a few key players who have been playing with a knocks and little niggles, and giving important minutes to players as well.

“The biggest thing is the culture to try to get back to winning ways. It was really important. I didn’t want to lose the next two games and we’ve got a final home game as well. To go into that — on the front foot — produce another performance like that and then it gives us a little bounce and step going into the play-offs.

“I sometimes don’t think that people recognise the sort of challenges that we’ve had this season as well. It’s been an incredibly competitive league, especially at the top of the division. And we’ve been in the race and deservedly the two teams that have been the top teams have gone up.

“But we’ve not been a million miles behind them. Coming off the back of last season, it was an incredibly disappointing one and a damaging one as well for everybody.

“Culture wise, we had to get back to what a good Sheffield United team looks like. I think we’ve got that this season. I do get, finishing third, you don’t get any medals. But to get back to winning games of football, to change the way we’ve played, and to take the disappointments in our stride like we have done all season as well.

“But we know we’re in for a big few weeks now. We want to finish the season off on a high for the players and the supporters. Generally, on the whole, they’ve been outstanding to me and the players. The atmosphere and energy in the group is good and we’ve got to continue that.”

• READ MORE: Stoke City fans are all furious with Tyrese Campbell following ‘classless’ Sheffield United incident

The importance of Sheffield United’s incredible away form for the play-offs

Wilder will have already been frustrated prior to kick-off amid all the talk surrounding his team Instead, they did their talking on the pitch as they look to power through the Championship play-offs.

They will be fearing the worst again given their dismal play-off record. If they are unable to navigate that, then they will be a part of the 2025/26 Championship. 

Their away record could be what holds them up, both in the semi-finals themselves but also via a trip to Wembley potentially for the final.