Letting go of Wilder a 'naive' decision

Chris Wilder always said he wanted to leave Sheffield United with his head held high, and there's no doubt he's doing that - again. An announcement on his departure for the second time is expected soon.

The 57-year-old has twice ignited a revolution at the club he grew up supporting, and would play for, before first joining as manager in 2016 with the Blades at its lowest point in 33 years.

The first time was a fairytale for Blades fans, a 100-point promotion from League One preceded two years in the Championship, and a brief flirtation as a Premier League side with the idea of being in Europe before Covid struck.

Wilder's second stint was initially a salvage job after a disastrous summer of recruitment hindered predecessor Paul Heckingbottom. Ultimately it didn't work, but the seeds of change were sown.

Wilder - known as being a skilled planner - set about changing the plan, and despite a slow, nervy start to the transfer window due to the protracted takeover of the club, put together the makings of a good squad which amassed 90 points (92 without the deduction) that remarkably wasn't enough for automatic promotion, and ended with a defeat in the Championship play-off final.

Following that final against Sunderland three weeks ago, it's believed a split board decided to discuss a 'change in direction' last week which has ultimately led to the pending departure of one of United's most successful managers.

The delay in holding these talks over his future and the time it's taken to resolve the situation shows a lack of respect to Wilder, in my opinion, a lack of clarity at the top of the club, and a naivety in offering him a new three-year deal in January, when it was known significant changes to the club's methods of recruitment were coming.

With five promotions on his managerial CV, Wilder's stock remains high.

Football, eh?