Sheffield 'delighted' to be above West Brom says Chris Wilder
Sheffield United haven’t played in the top flight of English football since 2007 - but they are on the brink of a return to the Premier League after an outstanding start to the season.
The good form of the Blades has, according to former Sheffield Wednesday defender Michael Johnson, made this season ‘difficult’ for their rivals.
“There is a massive rivalry with [Sheffield] United and it’s difficult for fans to see the other side of the city doing so well,” Johnson told Express Sport.
“The fact they are fighting for the title brings another problem to Wednesday and what they have to compete with next season."
Wednesday started the season with Jos Luhukay in the dugout but he was sacked in December after a run of one win and seven defeats in 10 games.
His replacement, Steve Bruce, was announced in January 2019 and took over the following month.
Johnson has praised the appointment of the former Sunderland boss and firmly believes that Bruce is the right man to push Wednesday in the right direction next season.
“Next season is probably where Sheffield Wednesday are looking,” Johnson said.
Sheffield United have given Sheffield Wednesday a problem - claim (Image: GETTY)
Sheffield Wednesday manager Steve Bruce has been in charge since the start of February (Image: GETTY)
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They have the most experienced manager in the league and he definitely has the credentials
Michael Johnson on Sheffield Wednesday manager Steve Bruce
“Steve Bruce will want to get them safe this season and start looking ahead to next year.
“It will be a really difficult task to get up to the playoffs this year but he will be looking at all of his players ahead of next season.
“They have the most experienced manager in the league and he definitely has the credentials to [put or get?] Wednesday back to where they belong.”
Wednesday face Swansea at Hillsborough on Saturday as they look to reach the top-half of the Championship table.
Former Sheffield Wednesday defender Michael Johnson has revealed all (Image: GETTY)
Johnson retired from professional football in 2009 just as Bruce did after ending his playing career, he has now turned his attention to management.
The 45-year-old made 13 appearances for Jamaica between 1999 and 2003, but finds himself managing Guyana as they target a debut Gold Cup appearance.
“Guyana are now 90 minutes away from the Gold Cup and that is incredibly exciting," Johnson said.
“It’s difficult to predict how the players will react but the magnitude of the game calls for calm heads.
“The team that wins will be the players that can control their emotions, and some players won’t be able to cope with that.”