This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
We’re not quite in ‘pinch yourself’ territory just yet.
But if Sheffield United can keep up the pace that they’re on right now, we might be approaching that stage soon enough.
They’ve made a great start to life back in the top flight, taking the scalp of Arsenal last week, pushing Liverpool all the way at Anfield and currently holding the joint best defensive record in the division.
And whilst they may have started well, Blades boss Chris Wilder has been quick to temper expectations amongst his staff and hopes that his message will make its way through to the supporters.
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What’s he said?
Speaking ahead of his side’s clash with Burnley on Saturday, Wilder did his best just to calm people’s expectations and remember that this side is still very much punching above their weight in this division.
He told reporters:
“I still have to keep reminding people that that’s the situation. We weren’t this ridiculously powerful Championship club that has an unbelievable amount of money to spend who were getting set for the Premier League.
“There’s still a long way to go and our feet are on the ground but we are delighted with the start we’ve made, but as I’ve said before it is only a start and the challenge is to continue and be consistent in performances.”
Keeping away from the two extremes
Wilder is right to try and manage expectations somewhat.
Whilst he has overseen a remarkable transformation at the club, taking them from near the bottom of League One to the Premier League in the space of three years, there does come a point where the club will reach its limit and the good fortune is going to pay off.
We saw back in 2008/09 how Hull City were flying high near the top of the table, only to then find themselves having to fight off relegation on the final day of the season. Therefore, it’s not as if there aren’t precedents for promoted sides to start quick and then end up falling off a cliff.
So this season is all going to be about consistency, just as Wilder says.
If they can avoid going through peaks and troughs through the season where a run of defeats gets them looking towards relegation or a streak of victories that gets fans ramping up their expectations only to be disappointed yet again, they should be fine.
