Sheffield United: John Fleck speaks-out ahead of Oldham test

Chris Wilder’s side could move nine points clear of second-placed Bolton Wanderers with only seven games remaining if they beat Oldham Athletic at Boundary Park today.

But Fleck, who earlier this week was named in the EFL’s divisional team of the year, said: “The mood in the camp is great, the same as it has been for a while now and hopefully it will continue this weekend.

“However, we all know things can change very quickly if you have a couple of bad results, that brings other people into play. Really, we’ve just got to take things a game at a time and see where it takes us.”

Fleck, aged 25, was a member of the Coventry City side which appeared destined to lift the title last season before sliding down the table during the second-half of the campaign.

Admitting he will draw on that experience over the coming weeks, the former Rangers midfielder added: “If we lose one or two games on the bounce, it brings us right back down to earth. Then it’s a dogfight, as it is most weeks to be fair. But we’re in a good position right now. I had the same mentality myself then as I do now. You just try and win as many games as you can and take it match by match.”

Wanderers, who were beaten at Bramall Lane last month, face Shrewsbury Town this afternoon while Fleetwood Town in third visit Bury. Bradford City, in fourth, trail Uwe Rosler’s team by two points and are 12 behind United ahead of their meeting with fifth-placed Scunthorpe tomorrow.

“We’re all on the same amount of games now so lets just see who can pick up the most points over the remaining eight games,” Fleck said. “Let’s just see how we do over that course and see how far it takes us.

“I think we all understand the fans getting a bit excited. But for us as players and management staff, we all know how it can change. The fans probably do over the last few years as well. Let’s just get these games out of the way.”