Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder touched on 40 years of personal association with Goodison Park after praising Everton’s ‘classy’ supporters

Chris Wilder described Everton supporters as “classy” as he reflected with real insight on what Goodison Park means to football.

The Sheffield United boss said he was impressed by the applause his side received from the home supporters when they walked off the pitch following the Blues’ 1-0 win on Saturday.

He noted the reception given to his relegated players and praised Everton fans, stating: “I thought the reception we got at the end, similar to Newcastle (when his team’s relegation was recently confirmed), was classy from Everton supporters and I did not expect any different.” Wilder’s comments came after he was asked by the ECHO whether what may be the final match he is involved in at Goodison had any significance to him. His answer covered more than 40 years of experience in the game, from his time as a schoolboy footballer to being both a player and manager at the Grand Old Lady, and even touched on his Liverpool roots.

Wilder said: “I was just saying to Jack Lester [Sheffield United coach] before I came, in 1981 I was invited over by Everton as an associated schoolboy to watch Liverpool Boys v London Boys. There is a connection from a family point of view as well, living in Liverpool and my dad being a Scouser. It has been a bear pit at times, right the way through the 80s we all know what special times they were and I have an understanding of this place being a very tough place when it is rocking.

“Speaking to Graham Stuart and Ian Snodin, who I know well, the design of the new stadium is really important to the supporters and for them to make it have a similar atmosphere. I think we did our best to try and quieten them down today, we did not do enough, but I have been here as a player, been here as a manager and been here watching games and have that understanding that when this place gets rocking they get on the front foot and this is a really difficult place to get a result.

“So I should imagine there are a lot of Evertonians who will be really sad to move away. But it is part of a bright future. I have got a lot of respect for Sean [Dyche] in terms of what he has done and what he is doing at the moment in difficult circumstances, so I wish Everton all the best.”