"Far too early" - Chris Wilder takes aim at Sheffield United fans after Stoke City loss | OneFootball

Chris Wilder has called for 'perspective' among Sheffield United supporters as the pressure builds upon the Blades boss

Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder has urged Blades supporters to have 'perspective' and to refrain from their judgement on his side at this stage of the season following their latest defeat away to Stoke City.

According to the Sheffield Star, Blades boss Wilder has urged fans not to judge his side at this stage of the season despite a big dip in form, and to use this upcoming international break as an opportunity to gain some 'perspective'.

Sheffield United sit four points off the relegation zone after eight games, and very narrowly lost out to Stoke at the weekend, but this latest defeat has only compounded the misery on what has been a disastrous run of form for the club.

Chris Wilder has called for 'perspective' amongst the Sheffield United fanbase following Stoke City defeat

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In Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Stoke, Kalvin Phillips gave the Blades the lead five minutes into the second half from a clever free-kick, catching out Swedish shot-stopper Viktor Johansson at his near post, and on the whole, nullified the home side's attacking threat for the majority of the game.

However, two wonder-strikes from Jack McGlynn and Sam Gallagher late into the second half gave the Potters a 2-1 lead and ultimately all three points, as Sheffield United headed home with nothing despite their efforts, and can feel aggrieved to have taken nothing from the game.

In his post-match interview, Wilder was clearly disappointed and frustrated with the result, and aware of fan backlash, said: "I think there's got to be a bit of reality to it, a bit of perspective to it. When does a season get judged? It's an emotional game that we're all in. Are we on the right tracks? In my opinion, yeah.

"I’m not saying I'm comfortable with our position. I want to be higher. I want the performances to be better. But far too early to make longer-term judgements on anything, in my opinion, after eight [league games].

"We've got a home game coming back and I understand that the narrative that will be there, will be pretty negative,” he said. “The players have got to show what they're about and feel that and rise to it, rise to the challenge.

"And as I’ve always said, a player gets judged not just in the good times, when they're playing well, but in the times where results and little things are going against you. And to the most negative of Sheffield United fans, we got done today by two absolute screamers late on.

"If you come away with a win or come away with a draw, then the feeling’s a little bit better.”

Why the pressure is mounting on Chris Wilder at Sheffield United

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The Stoke defeat alone is not what has stirred up frustration among the Sheffield United fanbase, but rather the four defeats in their last five, as well as the disappointing transfer window they endured.

The Blades have lost to each of Norwich City, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Fleetwood Town, and Stoke in their last five games across all competitions, with each one disappointing in their own way.

The defeat to League Two Fleetwood had already riled up supporters ahead of their trip to the Potteries, and this recent result has done the 56-year-old Sheffield native no favours.

A transfer window in which frees and loans were the only means of arrivals, as well as the departures of Callum O'Hare, Gustavo Hamer, and Andre Brooks, won't have filled supporters with confidence either, although that is not solely Wilder's fault.

Frustration is increasing in South Yorkshire, and how this one will play out remains to be seen.

Sheffield United have a huge decision to make regarding Chris Wilder's future ahead of the international break

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With the international break set to go underway, Wilder will get a three-week break from action and some crucial time to assess his squad.

However, this break also brings the opportunity for clubs to part ways with their current managers and find replacements, with Sheffield United no different, as the 56-year-old's job will be assessed carefully.

Wilder has been dismissed twice before, and a third exit cannot be ruled out, as the Blades hierarchy must decide whether to stick or twist on their head coach, in a decision that could make or break their season.