Chris Wilder reappointed as Sheffield United manager – after leading training ahead of THIRD stint in charge just 89 days after he was sacked by Blades
Chris Wilder has been reappointed at Sheffield United after Daily Mail Sport exclusively revealed he took training at the club on Monday morning ahead of his expected return to the club.
The former Blades boss will manage the club for a third time after they sacked Ruben Selles following six defeats from six games and a horrendous start to the Championship season.
Wilder was sacked after United lost the Championship play-off final at Wembley.
The club turned to Selles, who narrowly avoided relegation with Hull City last time out.
But the Blades canned Selles after a horrendous 5-0 shellacking at Ipswich Town on Friday night which left them bottom of the table. As early as August, fans had been chanting for Selles to be sacked.
And so they turn again to Wilder, the man who they got rid of just 89 days ago, in the hope that he can lead them out of the mire and perhaps inspire another promotion.
Chris Wilder took Sheffield United training on Monday morning ahead of his third stint
Ruben Selles was sacked with the Blades bottom of the Championship after losing every game
Wilder has two promotions with Sheffield United on his CV and he lead them into the Premier League in 2019 after coming second in the Championship.
He has a mixed record with them in the Premier League. In 2019-20, their first season back he led them to ninth, but he left in March 2021 with them bottom of the division.
In his second stint with the Yorkshire outfit, he took over from Paul Heckingbottom when they were bottom of the top flight in December 2023 and was unable to rescue them.
Last season he led them to third in the Championship and a haul of 90 points, often enough to get promoted, but they lost 2-1 to Sunderland in the play-off final after Thomas Watson’s 95th-minute winner.
Were he to lead them up this season, he would become the first manager to take up a team who had lost their first five games in the Championship.
Wilder, who was born not far away in Stocksbridge, also played for the Blades across two stints.
‘Following a difficult start to the season, the board felt it necessary to make a change in order to stabilise performances and strengthen our push for promotion,’ a statement from Sheffield United released to announce Wilder’s return started.
‘While the adoption of a different style of play was pursued with ambition, results have clearly not met expectations.
‘Chris Wilder returns with proven leadership and an unparalleled understanding of Sheffield United. We are confident he is the right person to restore momentum, unite the squad and supporters, and deliver the results necessary to achieve our objectives this season.
‘We would like to thank Rubén Sellés for his hard work and professionalism during his time at the club. Responsibility for recent results lies with us as owners, and we remain fully committed to supporting the team and pursuing promotion.’
