Sheffield United sit top of the Championship after the weekend’s games, and manager Chris Wilder has been quick to heap the praise on his side after their truly remarkable rise.

The Blades overcame rivals Leeds United 2-1 on Friday night, and promotion hopefuls Wolves lost to QPR – leaving United fans firmly believing that they can mount a serious challenge for promotion into the Premier League this season.

Captain Billy Sharp opened the scoring for the Blades on Friday, before David Brooks scored the winner late in the game, but Wilder has praised Leon Clarke particularly, saying that the forward is enjoying ‘the form of his life’.

Clarke, 32, has played a massive role in United’s season so far and the boss’ comments prove just that.

“Leon is in the form of his life,” said Wilder.

“If he has played any better, he must have been pretty special at other clubs. I felt his performance against Leeds deserved a goal.

“John Fleck pulled one back to him on the penalty spot and he will have been disappointed not to have hit it a bit cleaner. But his all-round general play is outstanding.

“Whether it is Billy at the top of the pitch or Brooksy and (Mark) Duffy (slightly behind), Leon takes the responsibility of being the main man up there.

“That is not being disrespectful to the skipper, but he gives us a focal point and someone for Billy to play off. If we change our shape, it allows Brooky to play round him.”
[Quotes via Yorkshire Post]