Sheffield United manager, Chris Wilder, had some nice things to say about Evertonians and Goodison Park following his side’s 1-0 defeat to the Toffees on Saturday on what was very likely his and his team’s last match there.
The Blades have been relegated back to the Championship and unless fate throws up a cup tie between the two sides next season, the next time they will play away at Everton it will be at Bramley-Moore Dock.
Their boss also revealed his connection to the city of Liverpool and his belief that the Everton fans will take the spirit of the Grand Old Lady with them to their new stadium.
“I thought the reception we got at the end, similar to Newcastle, was classy from Everton supporters and I did not expect any different,” Wilder said after the game.
“I was just saying to Jack Lester 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.
“[W]hen 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.”
The feelings of admiration were mutual, with many Everton fans expressing their best wishes to Sheffield United after the classy and good natured behaviour of their fans during the match, in particular the absence of the usual “poverty chanting” that has blighted the visits of other clubs to Goodison this season.