Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder insists he's never held a grudge against Newcastle United counterpart Steve Bruce.

Wilder was part of the Blades squad Bruce inherited when the former Manchester United captain took his first steps into management in 1998.

Wilder was allowed to leave on a free transfer at the end of a season that had seen the then 31-year-old spend time out on loan at Northampton, Lincoln and Brighton.

“I think I'd have moved myself on if I was him as well, as I wasn't doing enough," joked Wilder.

“He had a decision to make in the early part of his managerial career and I respect that. I don't think it's one that made too many headlines, a 30-year-old getting a free transfer from Sheffield United at that time.

“I never took it personally. I've been released and people have made decision on me many times. I've always got on well with Steve and looked at it from his point of view.

“I think that's the good thing about this football club, that everybody that leaves doesn't really leave on bad terms and the door is always open for them to come back and be involved one way or another, and I think that's the way it should be.

“I'll go on record again for the respect I have for Steve. He's done an outstanding job at a passionate, and not always easy football club to manage, and he's done that with dignity and yet again they're going to be a Premier League club next season and they will look for a big finish to this campaign.

“Newcastle have some exciting players and attacking players, and quality right the way through, and Steve has got them at it and playing well. It will be tough for us but it's up to us to find a way to nullify their threats and try to win the game."