'Wilder reconnecting Blades with fans'

Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder has reconnected the club with its fans, according to former Crystal Palace and Reading midfielder Jobi McAnuff.

The Blades are second in the Championship after completing a double over city rivals Sheffield Wednesday last weekend.

Wilder, a boyhood Sheffield United supporter, is galvanising the club says McAnuff. The 57-year-old was filmed singing with fans after the victory over the Owls having delivered a stirring post-match press conference and marked the win by holding George Baldock's jersey aloft.

"It's interesting when you come to Sheffield United and Chris Wilder because there's that extra emotional attachment in that it's his football club so those derbies do mean more to him because he lives it, he breathes it," McAnuff told the BBC's EFL podcast 72+

"Seeing him in the pub afterwards and getting involved with the fans songs - he's had some really dark days at that club and so when you go to Bramall Lane you do feel that energy and connection with the team and all this is a part of that."

Wilder could not prevent relegation from the Premier League last season having been reappointed in December 2023 but they are two points clear of third-placed Burnley with eight games remaining.

"They are finding a way to win, not bogged down by that philosophy we hear all the time, just 'we have to win three points' which Sheffield United have done better than anyone when not being at their best," added McAnuff.

You can download the latest and past episodes of 72+ on BBC Sounds.