Chris Wilder says Sheffield United are stronger with David Brooks back – so can they now secure a Championship playoff place?
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder described having David Brooks back in the first team as like a “January signing” after more than two months of absence due to glandular fever.
Brooks came off the bench at half-time as the Blades lost 1-0 to Premier League side Leicester City in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
“David makes us an even stronger team. He makes what I think is an already dangerous team even more dangerous. To get him back now, especially given what we know he can do, is like a new January signing for us,” Wilder told the Sheffield Star.
“We’ve still got to be careful with him and he’s nowhere near ready to start. But we’re delighted to have him back; particularly when there are enough games left for him to do some real damage.”
Wilder is perhaps hinting that with Brooks back in contention, United can push for the Championship playoffs with 15 league matches still left to play this season.
The 50-year-old may have a point as well, as the loss of the attacking midfielder coincided in a real downturn in form for the Yorkshire outfit having started the new campaign so well following their promotion from League One.
Despite that loss of form Wilder’s men are still four points outside of the top six in eighth position and with a game in hand over those around them because of that clash with Leicester.
With Brooks, who scored two goals and provided three assists in the second tier of English football in 2017/18 before his illness, back perhaps the 20-year-old can be the catalyst to see the team cement a playoff place.
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