Wilder on club's academy, Archer and Aston Villa
- Published
Josh Lobley, BBC Sport
Chris Wilder has been speaking to the media ahead of Sheffield United's match against Aston Villa on Saturday.
Here are the main lines from his news conference:
Wilder confirmed Ivo Grbic has suffered a concussion, and will be unavailable for seven to 12 days due to Premier League concussion rules. However, Ben Brereton Diaz is in contention for Saturday's game after being taken off on Tuesday.
On whether he has had enough backing in the transfer window: "100%. It's a difficult one because we aren't in a fabulous position in the league and we have to make sure we look after the pennies but I think a lot of the things that we were looking to achieve we have done. We need to affect the results more now."
Wilder spoke about the club's medium to long-term future: "I'm confident in the rebuild. I still think it's a fantastic place to come and play football. This is a very attractive club, one that is still fighting. What we have to do is get the recruitment spot on, and culturally get it right."
On the club's youth system: "One of the things that's really impressed me is the way that the academy has kicked on and accelerated. My message to the supporters is that we're really looking forward to working with these young players and it's important that the pathway is there."
Wilder had more to say about the young Blades: "If I was a manager at another club, I'd be looking at Sheffield United. If I was in the Championship, League One [or] League Two, I'd see there are some really well rounded and well grounded footballers."
He said the onus is on Cameron Archer to deliver if he wants to get back into the team: "They've all got to produce. There's been opportunity for Cameron, like at Gillingham. You can't feel sorry for yourself. Whether you are a sub, start, get 10 or 70 minutes, there's a massive opportunity for you. You want to let them go and have a run, but you've got to show that consistency to deserve that run. Cam is in the mix for the game."
On Aston Villa: "We understand they are a top side [that has] really kicked on in the past three or four years, They have some fabulous players, but it isn't going to be a one-sided affair."
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