Wilson wary of the joker
Sheffield United manager Danny Wilson is determined not to let one of his former Hartlepool players serve the joker on him this weekend, writes Alan Biggs.
Wilson remembers Darrell Clarke - the young boss of non-league Salisbury City - as a bit of a jack-the-lad during their time together at Victoria Park.
And his is wary of Clarke’s ability to motivate a gung-ho performance from the Conference South side in Saturday’s FA Cup third round tie at Bramall Lane which marks the first time Salisbury have reached this stage of the competition.
“Darrell’s a cracking lad and I’ve got a lot of time for him,” said the Blades boss of the former Hartlepool wide boy (in every sense as he was a midfield raider down the flanks).
“He’s a real football character - a funny boy who was great for me in the dressing room. I’m sure he’s the same now as a manager.
“It’s a great game for Salisbury. They have absolutely nothing to lose and Darrell will have them battling their nuts off. We’ve just got to make sure we don’t end up as the laughing stock
“I feel we’re strong enough to get through but our application has to be right. And I’m not going to jeopardise our chances by blooding younger players.
“There has to be a proper balance and there won’t be wholesale changes.”
Clarke, 34 and still a player having been on the bench for Salisbury’s 3-2 replay win at Grimsby in the last round, said: “I’m thrilled and delighted to be coming up against Danny.
“He’s a top manager and a top bloke. And he’s a real gentleman, even if he did loan me out while I was at Hartlepool!
“It’s a fantastic achievement for a club our size to get to the third round and we’ll make sure we enjoy the day at a big ground like Bramall Lane.”
Twitter@AlanBiggs1
Email to a friend
Print this page- Sheffield school massage sessions under fire
- SHEFFIELD UNITED: Blades told to turn on style in bid to regain second place: Urges Danny Wilson
- A tough-talking TV show has put the spotlight on a Sheffield restaurant. Julia Armstrong went to see what has changed...
- DONCASTER DONS: Winger Stu Sanderson will feel ‘at home’ in Cumbria
- Biobank study will add to knowledge
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Sheffield
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
Your view
Please sign in to be able to comment on this story.