"I've huge respect for Steve Bruce to still be managing at this level" - Chris Wilder on Newcastle United manager

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder says he has huge respect for what Steve Bruce as achieved as a player and manager ahead of their clash on Tuesday night.
Steve Bruce and Chris Wilder have been friends for a long period.Steve Bruce and Chris Wilder have been friends for a long period.
Steve Bruce and Chris Wilder have been friends for a long period.

Wilder will entertain Bruce’s Newcastle United side at Bramall Lane in an important game at the bottom of the Premier League.

The Blades are yet to win a league game this season, while Newcastle have picked up just two points from their last five matches, as well as crashing out of both the League Cup and FA Cup.

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Bruce has come under criticisim from a number of Newcastle fans, but Wilder believes the 60-year-old – who started his managerial career at Bramall Lane back in 1998 – should be praised for what he has achieved in the game after stints in charge at Sunderland, Hull City, Birmingham, Aston Villa and Wigan.

“He's a man I hugely respect and have known since the late 1990s when he was player-manager here," said Wilder. "Look at his track record and where he's been and who he's managed.

"It's so difficult to play in the Premier League never mind to manage in it.

"There's an enormous amount of respect and admiration for these guys as players never mind managers, who know how cut throat an industry and competition it is.

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"I've got an enormous amount of respect for Steve to still be managing at this level.”

Wilder’s side got a much-needed win under their belts on Saturday when they beat Bristol Rovers 3-2 in the FA Cup.

They are now hoping to get that first league victory, but are expecting a tough test against the Magpies who were unlucky not to beat Arsenal in the cup at the weekend.

Wilder added: “We recognise every point in the Premier League is vital and that's been one of the disappointing points from our games, turning defeats into draws and draws into wins.

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"It's difficult for teams outside the top six, seven or eight to gain points. They (Newcastle) have had some great victories and picked up points in their quest this season. Staying in the Premier League is huge for about a dozen clubs.

"But they have a strong squad and a very experienced manager who's experienced a lot in the game as a player and as a manager.”