Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has spoken about Reading's decision to sack former manager Paul Clement, ahead of the Blades' trip to the Madejski Stadium this weekend.

Clement was relieved of his duties by the Berkshire club on Thursday morning having won just four games all season, with the club languishing in 21st position just outside of the relegation zone on goal difference.

When asked about if Clement's sacking would affect the Blades' chances of securing three points, Wilder said: "Not really - it's happened on Thursday morning so it'll be the same group of players - someone might come in with a new idea, but it's difficult to implement that idea in 48 hours."

"I think it shows the toughness of the division and the ramifications of not getting a result in a really competitive league and how difficult it is - Reading were playoff finalists a short while ago, but they've had a tough 46 games last season and a tough 20 games this season."

The Royals have lost just one of their last five games and will be hoping to display the same performance that salvaged a late draw against Stoke City last week.

United, who sit 15 places above Reading, will be hoping to secure only their third win in nine games this weekend - Wilder's men sit just inside of the playoff places on goal difference.

The Verdict

I completely agree with Wilder.

Reading have unfortunately been on a downward spiral since that playoff final heartbreak a couple of years ago.

It came as a bit of a surprise to me when Clement was sacked - the club may have won only four games all season but they looked to have turned a corner in recent weeks.