Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder issues Leeds United promotion message and eyes Premier League derbies against Whites

Wilder's Blades denied United automatic promotion from the Championship last season in head coach Bielsa's first season in charge as part of a titanic three-way tussle that also involved eventual champions Norwich City.

Despite spending the majority of the season in the top two, Leeds fell away to finish third and heartbreak in the play-offs semi-finals was to follow with defeat to Derby County who themselves were beaten in the play-off final by Aston Villa.

Leeds, though, regrouped with Bielsa staying for a second year and United have now sealed an automatic promotion place with two games left and a return to the Premier League for the first time since 2004.

That will mean two Yorkshire derbies against Wilder's high-flying blades and the Sheffield United boss is already looking forward to renewing rivalries with the Whites.

The Blades sit eighth in the Premier League and only two points off sixth.

"Fantastic and congratulations to Marcelo and Liam Cooper and all of his players," said Wilder about Leeds' promotion.

"We had a tremendous tussle with them last year, the three clubs and it went right the way down to the wire.

"So to recover in the manner that they have done and steam roller the division as they have done and looking to get to 90 points is a great achievement.

"It's a load of pressure on that football club and the players have really stood up to that challenge, especially after what happened last year so an enormous amount of credit and I'm really looking forward to both games against Leeds United.

"It's a giant of a football club and I don't think people recognise that as much as they possibly should do.

"They are definitely in the top ten of English football clubs in history, in fan base and in power and I think everybody in the game does recognise that and brilliant and congratulations to everybody at Leeds United."

A message from the Editor:

Leeds has a fantastic story to tell - and the Yorkshire Evening Post has been rooted firmly at the heart of telling the stories of our city since 1890.

We believe in ourselves and hope you believe in us too. We need your support to help ensure we can continue to be at the heart of life in Leeds.

https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/why-yorkshire-evening-post-needs-your-support-laura-collins-yep-editor-2913382

Subscribe to our website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app.

With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content.

Click here to subscribe.

For more details on our newspaper subscription offers click here.

Thank you Laura Collins