Chris Wilder’s stark warning to Sheffield United’s players ahead of “judgement day’

Chris Wilder, the Sheffield United manager, has warned some of his players that they are playing for their Bramall Lane futures in this afternoon’s FA Cup clash away at Gillingham. The Blades boss has already made clear to his players the need for attitude and character at Priestfield as United look to avoid another cup shock already this campaign.

United, who were knocked out of the League Cup earlier this season at home to Lincoln City on penalties, travel to Kent almost 60 places above Stephen Clemence’s men in the league pyramid but aware that there are many amongst a sold-out home following who will fancy their side to collect a big third-round scalp. Wilder is not taking the game lightly, signalling his intention to play his strongest available side after labelling it as United’s biggest match of the season so far, and will also use what he sees in the game to help form decisions for the future.

When asked if some of his players were playing for their United careers at Priestfield, Wilder said, “100%.” “With a lot of players out of contract, there will be a lot of big decisions to be made this summer.” There are a lot of players under contract that, if I feel they can’t help us move forward, we’ll make judgements on.

“I’ll be the ruthless manager I’ve always had to be since I first became a manager.” I want to make positive decisions, but I won’t be afraid to make difficult ones if I believe that people are unable to handle the pressure and obligation that we place on them to be excellent and produce. They have the possibility, and if they want to play at the highest level of English football, the Premier League, we must cope with afternoons like today because we all know what’s coming. We must deliver both a performance and a result.”

United’s expected XI vs. Gillingham follows Chris Wilder’s pledge.

Max Ehmer, a Gills defender, has already called on his teammates and the club’s supporters.

Gills defender Max Ehmer has already called on his teammates and the club’s fans to make things “horrible” for the Blades, as they seek some respite from a Premier League campaign that has brought little joy so far. “Whether it’s a threat or a warning, however a player wants to take it, this is a big judgment day for me on their mentality,” Wilder added. “Of what they’re about and what makes them tick.

“If they go through it and tick all the boxes, that’s fantastic. If they don’t, there’s no doubt in my mind that the players who don’t put in a performance have a medium to long-term future. There is no such thing as a free hit – there has never been and will never be.”