rewrite this title Sheffield United boss Wilder hails Blades after play-off win

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder praised his players for reaching the Championship play-off final at Wembley after ‘an incredibly challenging season.’

The Blades were docked two points and collected 90, only to finish 10 points behind the top two in Leeds and Burnley.

But they responded in style to thrash Bristol City 6-0 on aggregate and secure a place in the final on 24 May where they will face either Sunderland or Coventry City for a place in the Premier League.

“You’ve got to enjoy nights like this!” 😍

Chris Wilder shares his thoughts after Sheffield United’s win over Bristol City to book their play-off final spot 💭 pic.twitter.com/Ws5M22khyc

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) May 12, 2025

Wilder told Sky Sports: “We had everything to lose tonight. We had to work hard and not be complacent, we could have got hurt.

“It was an awkward start, we got caught in between pressing and not. You know what football’s like, one moment can change the environment of a ground but we found our rhythm and to get the first goal was huge. It settled everyone down.

“My attitude after the game is we haven’t got the job done. We have the opportunity to get out of the division and the support was electric. When it gets rocking here it gives you a big push. We can sit back and relax now and watch tomorrow night.

“I told the players to look after each other, but would I have a beer tonight if I was a player? 100%.

“It’s been an incredibly challenging season for us but a night like tonight is a boost and the recognition they deserve.”

Sheffield United beat Bristol City 6-0 on aggregate to reach the Championship Play-Off Final!

They’ll meet the winners of Coventry v Sunderland at Wembley on 24 May for a place in the Premier League pic.twitter.com/0xQBMLtcm1

— Premier League (@premierleague) May 12, 2025

Kieffer Moore opened the scoring with a header from a corner, Gus Hamer’s deflected shot started the party and substitute Callum O’Hare came off the bench to rifle in a third.

Wilder has a strong squad and used them well over the two legs and will be in good shape for the final.

He said: “You have to be all in. Contributions from the bench are key, we’ve got a healthy squad which is vital at this stage of the season. I feel for Bristol City, they’ve had some big injuries and they were a tough outift to play against.

“We had to be good tonight. They put up a really brave fight.”