Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder hails the backing of fans

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has praised the support of the fans as the club continues to battle for promotion.

As it stands, the Blades are ninth in the Championship, two points adrift of the playoff spots with eight games left to play.

The team head into Friday's clash against Brentford on the back of a three-game unbeaten run in the second tier.

"We've been granted the patience of the supporters," The Star quotes Wilder as saying. "I never went along with that quieten the crowd stuff because the crowd stay with us right the way through. That's because what this group of players had done in previous matches.

"This group of players has been outstanding to get the results they have. Especially last year, when we were probably favourites to win every game. Even this year, the attitude of the group has been there."

The Blades have won 18 of their 38 league games this season.