Wilder full of praise for Everton and their fans: Class

Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder has paid tribute to the Everton support after Saturday's defeat.

Goodison Park fans gave the Blades players a passionate ovation with the club relegated.

Wilder said, 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 also told the Liverpool Echo: 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."