AliousWilder Eyes History at Wembley, Cites Newcastle United’s Cup Triumph as Sheffield United Aim to End Play-Off Curse
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has set his sights on rewriting club history ahead of their high-stakes Championship play-off final against Sunderland — and he’s using a familiar northern rival as motivation.
Wilder, preparing his side for a Wembley showdown with promotion to the Premier League on the line, has invoked Newcastle United’s recent Carabao Cup victory as proof that long-standing records are there to be broken. While such a reference may sting Sunderland fans, the Blades boss believes it highlights the possibility of finally ending Sheffield United’s decades-long struggle in the play-offs.
“There’s a real freshness about the squad, a belief that this group can make history,” Wilder told *The Star*. “I don’t sense any negativity about past failures. I’ve seen most of those disappointments first-hand, but this team is on a different path.”
Sheffield United enter the final in top form, having demolished their semi-final opponents with a dominant 6-0 aggregate win. Sunderland, by contrast, squeezed through in dramatic fashion thanks to a last-minute winner by Dan Ballard against Coventry City. Despite the contrast in journeys, both clubs now stand 90 minutes from the Premier League.
Wilder, a lifelong Blades supporter and a manager known for thriving under pressure, believes this year’s team has the grit and maturity to finally deliver at Wembley. Sheffield United have *never* earned promotion via the play-offs — a dismal record that has haunted the club through numerous campaigns. But rather than allow that history to weigh them down, Wilder is framing it as a once-in-a-generation opportunity.
He pointed to Newcastle’s triumph at Wembley earlier this year, breaking their own long silverware drought. “People doubted Newcastle, but they showed up, handled the occasion, and won. That’s the mindset we need,” Wilder said. “There are just as many examples of teams defying their history as there are of failure. Why can’t we be one of those stories?”
Wilder’s messaging has been clear — this is a moment to seize, not fear. He’s calling on his squad to rise above the scars of previous failed campaigns and instead focus on the legacy they can leave. For a manager so emotionally connected to the club, that message may resonate stronger than any tactical speech.
With eight days to prepare, Wilder is expected to use every psychological and strategic tool available to keep his players focused and hungry. Sheffield United enter the match as slight favourites, but with Sunderland riding the wave of momentum and emotion, the final promises to be a fierce battle.
Ultimately, the chance to return to the Premier League and finally shed their play-off frustrations could be enough to propel the Blades to glory — especially under a leader as driven and grounded in the club’s DNA as Chris Wilder.
Alious
