Wilder must vindicate Sheffield United pledge and eclipse 2013/14 record – opinion
Sheffield United's English manager Chris Wilder gestures on the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Sheffield United and Brighton and Hove Albion at Bramall Lane in Sheffield, northern England on February 22, 2020. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Alongside their astonishing Premier League performances which have seen Sheffield United climb to seventh in the top-flight, the Blades are putting together a run in the FA Cup, which could mark this season out as a historic vintage in the Bramall Lane cellars.
In their next fixture, Chris Wilder’s side will travel south to Championship Reading, as they attempt to book their place in the quarter-finals of the oldest national cup competition in the world. The manager has already promised his side will attack the tie and it could leave the Blades one game from Wembley Stadium.
Never satisfied with the enormous strides Sheffield have taken, Wilder said: “We are after more. We have got some fantastic games coming up and a tough FA Cup tie that we will go and attack. We are in a groove, we are in a good place, the club is in a good place. I have to make sure this continues.” Part of achieving those goals is eclipsing their recent best FA Cup record which came in 2013/14, when the Blades last reached Wembley Stadium, losing to Hull City in the semi-final.
Back then the club was in the League One doldrums, and the journey they have undergone would have been almost unimaginable. In order to capitalise on what has been an outstanding season and to attract interest to continue progress, Wilder must ensure this season is historic. Returning to the FA Cup final for the first time since 1936 or going one better and lifting the trophy for the first time since 1925 would be an incredible way to engage European eyes.
Though their Premier League campaign could hardly be going better, the cup provides an outstanding opportunity for squad members who may not have featured as much as they would have liked to get a run-out.
Wilder has promised to attack the tie, and they must not get complacent, given they had the same league status as their opponents just last season. The game should prove to be a fascinating encounter where the Sheffield boss can vindicate his pledge and attempt to go one better than their recent FA Cup record.