Wilson hopes to silence his critics

Sheffield United's new manager Danny Wilson has vowed to win over the fans who protested against his controversial appointment at Bramall Lane.

Wilson, 51, a former player and manager at city rivals Sheffield Wednesday, was unveiled as the Blades' fourth boss in nine months amid chants of "We hate Wilson" and "You don't know what you're doing" by a protest group of around 150-strong, who had gathered in the club car park.

Blades Plc chairman Kevin McCabe later met with some of the protesters in a bid to convince them Wilson was the right man to lead the club back to the npower Championship following relegation.

McCabe has given Wilson a three-year contract and has appointed club skipper Chris Morgan as player-coach, while an assistant manager is expected to be named in the next few days.

Wilson said: "I'm not foolish enough to think it's going to be anything other then very difficult to come across the divide but as far as I'm concerned it's a massive privilege to come to a club of this size with its tradition and the support of Kevin and the directors.

"It's not going to be easy. We have to play a certain brand of football and win games to win the fans over - but you have to do that anywhere. It will be difficult. We understand that, but every manager is in a difficult position. We always are and always will be, while some [jobs] are more difficult than others. But I promise you we'll work very, very hard for this football club. I'm very determined and I think eventually we'll win people over."