Wilder - Get Rid Now, or After Last Game

[Tom Bott]

The wilder cult will preach that his job was to keep us up. But read the owners statement when he was reappointed- they said promotion push.

He’s failed their target

The Labour party keep telling us they are putting more money in the working mans pocket.

Statements are often that which people wish to hear.

Did COH say in the summer that appointing Selles, James Bord and a band of AI approved journeymen players was their best bet for a promotion push?

Many of these players are now under long contracts with us, out of the 14 players Hoovered up last season how many are any good?

 

[RAP51]

100% correct. He needs the Blades job more than we need him.

Wilder will be 60 years old next year and I'm pretty sure financially he will not need to work again for the rest of his life.
I'm sure he genuinely wants United to succeed especially under his leadership and he is a genuine Blade.
I'm sure also he enjoys the kudos and limelight that comes with being a professional football manager and also genuinely feels all the stress and strain that goes with the job.
He only really needs us for his own ego.
I think our owners need him for the time being as they are limited financially and don't want the expense of paying him off and see him as a steady pair of hands for next season.
So whether you are for or against him I think we all need to expect him to be allowed his rebuild including selling some of our better assets and wheeling and dealing to drastically change the squad.
Unless this is a complete disaster he will be here for at least a season.
I'm 74 now and in pretty good shape for my age but wouldn't put money of seeing Premier League football again at the Lane.
Although that disappoints me, there are plenty of worse things that can happen.

 

[LBA_Blade]

One isn't it?

Until summer of 2028 presuming he returned on the original signed in January 2025. So we have 26/27 & 27/28 with him but I am only assuming he came back on the same terms

 

[jt64]

Parker's successes in this division have come as a result of having an absolutely disgusting squad for this level.

That didn't stop half the board thinking Adkins was a good appointment at the time

 

[UddersBlade]

Until summer of 2028 presuming he returned on the original signed in January 2025. So we have 26/27 & 27/28 with him but I am only assuming he came back on the same terms

Summer 2027 as per SUFC website when he returned for the 3rd time.

https://www.sufc.co.uk/news/2025/september/15/welcome-back-chris/

 

[YES Blade]

Summer 2027 as per SUFC website when he returned for the 3rd time.

https://www.sufc.co.uk/news/2025/september/15/welcome-back-chris/

That’s the first time I’ve read that since it was originally posted on the website. I was certain Wilder would be here next season but the fact that the owners mentioned promotion twice in that statement gives me some doubts. They can’t be happy about a bottom half finish when the target was promotion.

 

[54yrblade]

Wilder will be 60 years old next year and I'm pretty sure financially he will not need to work again for the rest of his life.
I'm sure he genuinely wants United to succeed especially under his leadership and he is a genuine Blade.
I'm sure also he enjoys the kudos and limelight that comes with being a professional football manager and also genuinely feels all the stress and strain that goes with the job.
He only really needs us for his own ego.
I think our owners need him for the time being as they are limited financially and don't want the expense of paying him off and see him as a steady pair of hands for next season.
So whether you are for or against him I think we all need to expect him to be allowed his rebuild including selling some of our better assets and wheeling and dealing to drastically change the squad.
Unless this is a complete disaster he will be here for at least a season.
I'm 74 now and in pretty good shape for my age but wouldn't put money of seeing Premier League football again at the Lane.
Although that disappoints me, there are plenty of worse things that can happen.

A mere 61 here mate - with similar thoughts. UTB!

 

[Lane Ender]

He won't be here forever. But he will be here next season.

Look he’s going to be here next season so we’ve just got to accept it and get on with supporting them.
If we are in a precarious position after say 12 games surely the board will have to take action.

 

[Dkc]

That’s the first time I’ve read that since it was originally posted on the website. I was certain Wilder would be here next season but the fact that the owners mentioned promotion twice in that statement gives me some doubts. They can’t be happy about a bottom half finish when the target was promotion.

When he took over from Selles the target was avoiding relegation. Anything else would have been a bonus.

 

[YES Blade]

When he took over from Selles the target was avoiding relegation. Anything else would have been a bonus.

Really? Why did the owners put out this statement when Wilder took over if the target was staying up?

A message from the board of directors at Sheffield United:

"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. 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."

 

[alcoblade]

Really? Why did the owners put out this statement when Wilder took over if the target was staying up?

A message from the board of directors at Sheffield United:

"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. 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."

You could rinse and repeat that at almost any club after any managerial promotion. Imagine saying "we don't expect to push for promotion".

 

[LBA_Blade]

Summer 2027 as per SUFC website when he returned for the 3rd time.

https://www.sufc.co.uk/news/2025/september/15/welcome-back-chris/

28 January 25 article was announced new deal until summer of 2028 when he was in charge, I wonder why it was cut short by a season when he returned?

https://www.sufc.co.uk/news/2025/january/28/new-deal-for-wilder/

 

[YES Blade]

You could rinse and repeat that at almost any club after any managerial promotion. Imagine saying "we don't expect to push for promotion".

They could’ve put out a very similar statement without mentioning promotion. Just something along the lines of improving results and our league position.

With the amount of money invested in the squad and 41 matches to go, I’d be shocked if the owners didn’t genuinely believe promotion was still possible.

 

[alcoblade]

They could’ve put out a very similar statement without mentioning promotion. Just something along the lines of improving results and our league position.

With the amount of money invested in the squad and 41 matches to go, I’d be shocked if the owners didn’t genuinely believe promotion was still possible.

You were questioning if they would expect promotion rather than consider it a bonus. I don't read anything in their statement that would seriously suggest that. And they would have been stupid to do so. Of course, it would still have been a bonus.

However much they've invested in the squad, they quickly realised they'd made a mistake, and bought numerous duds.

 

[KMC-1889]

You were questioning if they would expect promotion rather than consider it a bonus. I don't read anything in their statement that would seriously suggest that. And they would have been stupid to do so. Of course, it would still have been a bonus.

However much they've invested in the squad, they quickly realised they'd made a mistake, and bought numerous duds.

Soton were neck and neck with us early in the season, replaced their manager after us and gave managed to make a charge for autos. I don’t think playoffs should be considered that unrealistic given they backed him in January again.

Had 40+ games to do something and has lost the most games in the league.

 

[alcoblade]

Soton were neck and neck with us early in the season, replaced their manager after us and gave managed to make a charge for autos. I don’t think playoffs should be considered that unrealistic given they backed him in January again.

Had 40+ games to do something and has lost the most games in the league.

We're just debating the difference between "realism" and "expectation".

I don't think he's safe either. But not based on not getting promotion - more from the alarming drop off in form and performance towards the end of the season.

 

[jt64]

When he took over from Selles the target was avoiding relegation. Anything else would have been a bonus.

Literally anyone could have done that. It is not an achievement.

 

[sitwell]

Soton were neck and neck with us early in the season, replaced their manager after us and gave managed to make a charge for autos. I don’t think playoffs should be considered that unrealistic given they backed him in January again.

Had 40+ games to do something and has lost the most games in the league.

They werent neck and neck when Wilder was appointed.

 

[ben1987]

Literally anyone could have done that. It is not an achievement.

I genuinely think any of the extremely average managers in the generic championship manager merry go round would’ve done better than Wilder this season.

We’ve been largely shite barring a small spell since her returned.

I don’t understand how he’s getting so much praise for keeping us up. He’s had a squad and budget the envy of most despite the awful summer window.

I totally lost trust with him in January. We’d actually been playing well and moving upwards but the midfield was on its arse, knackered. Badly needed some reinforcements and instant impact. He goes and signs Philips and Rothwell and neither were going to be available to make much meaningful impact for weeks due to how little football they’d played. Then he’s signed Hjelde and barely used him.

He fucked last season up in January too. First half of the season easily the top side in terms of PPG. Souttar getting injured was a huge blow. So what did he do. Signs Rob Holding, refuses to play him and lobs £10m at cannon who anyone with half a brain could see was a wank bit of business. A fortune on BBD loan and plays him out of position. One of the biggest spends in the division in that window to then take us from the top performing team in the league to a middling play off side at best. Losing 3 in a week to regelation fodder, embarrassing the club in the process offering half of Plymouth out publicly. The Souttar replacement then sits on the bench while Jack Robinson gets absolutely skinned for the Sunderland equaliser at Wembley.

 

[KMC-1889]

They werent neck and neck when Wilder was appointed.

Table after 10 games. 5 for Selles, 5 for Wilder. It’s a six point gap to Southampton, a few weeks ago people were tipping us to catch that last play off spot with a 7-9 pt gap to make up.

Look how Derby, Hull and Wrexham have been able to pull away and mount a playoff challenge while we kick our heels at the bottom of the table.

Avoiding relegation was the minimum, we should have been challenging for playoffs.

 

[alcoblade]

I genuinely think any of the extremely average managers in the generic championship manager merry go round would’ve done better than Wilder this season.

We’ve been largely shite barring a small spell since her returned.

I don’t understand how he’s getting so much praise for keeping us up. He’s had a squad and budget the envy of most despite the awful summer window.

I totally lost trust with him in January. We’d actually been playing well and moving upwards but the midfield was on its arse, knackered. Badly needed some reinforcements and instant impact. He goes and signs Philips and Rothwell and neither were going to be available to make much meaningful impact for weeks due to how little football they’d played. Then he’s signed Hjelde and barely used him.

He fucked last season up in January too. First half of the season easily the top side in terms of PPG. Souttar getting injured was a huge blow. So what did he do. Signs Rob Holding, refuses to play him and lobs £10m at cannon who anyone with half a brain could see was a wank bit of business. A fortune on BBD loan and plays him out of position. One of the biggest spends in the division in that window to then take us from the top performing team in the league to a middling play off side at best. Losing 3 in a week to regelation fodder, embarrassing the club in the process offering half of Plymouth out publicly. The Souttar replacement then sits on the bench while Jack Robinson gets absolutely skinned for the Sunderland equaliser at Wembley.

Is he really "getting so much praise"?

I think most people who still support him (certainly me) are still disappointed with this season, even post Selles.

 

[jt64]

View attachment 236159
View attachment 236158

Table after 10 games. 5 for Selles, 5 for Wilder. It’s a six point gap to Southampton, a few weeks ago people were tipping us to catch that last play off spot with a 7-9 pt gap to make up.

Look how Derby, Hull and Wrexham have been able to pull away and mount a playoff challenge while we kick our heels at the bottom of the table.

Avoiding relegation was the minimum, we should have been challenging for playoffs.

I mean especially when you look at the run we had to start the season. Selles had 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 11th and 13th as his five games. We got no points, but retrospectively, you wouldn't expect anyone to get that many either. Two of the first four under Wilder are 5th and 7th now. So while we had points to make up, we then had an incredibly easy strength of schedule. The problem came with losing to Charlton, losing to Preston (both of which we doubled down on later in the season), only getting a point at home to QPR, blowing the advantage that we had. Which, when Wilder has only won ONE game all season against a top half side with eleven men all game, aren't the sorts of mistakes you can make.

 

[KMC-1889]

I mean especially when you look at the run we had to start the season. Selles had 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 11th and 13th as his five games. We got no points, but retrospectively, you wouldn't expect anyone to get that many either. Two of the first four under Wilder are 5th and 7th now. So while we had points to make up, we then had an incredibly easy strength of schedule. The problem came with losing to Charlton, losing to Preston (both of which we doubled down on later in the season), only getting a point at home to QPR, blowing the advantage that we had. Which, when Wilder has only won ONE game all season against a top half side with eleven men all game, aren't the sorts of mistakes you can make.

Stop bringing facts into the discussion. He gets the club don’t you know. Only man for us.

 

[ben1987]

Is he really "getting so much praise"?

I think most people who still support him (certainly me) are still disappointed with this season, even post Selles.

There’s a lot of people on various platforms defending him by saying ‘he was brought back to keep us up and that is what he’s done’

‘So much praise’ might be over the top but I think it’s a low benchmark to be marking him by personally.

 

[Dkc]

Is he really "getting so much praise"?

I think most people who still support him (certainly me) are still disappointed with this season, even post Selles.

I agree. Expectations are far higher these days across English football and consequently the turnover of managers is much higher.

When I first started watching football a finish of mid-table in the second tier wouldn't have triggered calls for the manager to be sacked. It would have been seen as an okay season. Like most other clubs we didn't get promoted but we didn't get relegated either.

How many seasons did we finish mid-table under Warnock before we finally went up? He finally got it right after five or six seasons in the second tier without promotion.

This demand for instant success reflects today's impatient society. We want instant gratification and if we don't get it, something needs to change.

 

[sitwell]

I agree. Expectations are far higher these days across English football and consequently the turnover of managers is much higher.

When I first started watching football a finish of mid-table in the second tier wouldn't have triggered calls for the manager to be sacked. It would have been seen as an okay season. Like most other clubs we didn't get promoted but we didn't get relegated either.

How many seasons did we finish mid-table under Warnock before we finally went up? He finally got it right after five or six seasons in the second tier without promotion.

This demand for instant success reflects today's impatient society. We want instant gratification and if we don't get it, something needs to change.

Expect to be tainted with 'Happy Clapper',' No ambition' etc etc from all the usual outlets.

 

[ben1987]

I agree. Expectations are far higher these days across English football and consequently the turnover of managers is much higher.

When I first started watching football a finish of mid-table in the second tier wouldn't have triggered calls for the manager to be sacked. It would have been seen as an okay season. Like most other clubs we didn't get promoted but we didn't get relegated either.

How many seasons did we finish mid-table under Warnock before we finally went up? He finally got it right after five or six seasons in the second tier without promotion.

This demand for instant success reflects today's impatient society. We want instant gratification and if we don't get it, something needs to change.

How many of those seasons under Warnock before he took us up were as a parachute club with wealth like we’ve never seen before?

None, that’s why expectations were lower.

I think the fan base would be far more content if we’d shown steady progress throughout the season. For me, a realistic chance of promotion had probably gone after the summer and Selles and I would have been content finishing mid table if we had seen some semblance of progress and a plan forming for the future. Barring a very short spell we’ve been poor. Poor football, poor fitness, poor tactically.

We’ve sleepwalked into the end of the season. There’s never been more discontent and disconnection amongst the fan base and mostly it’s down to there being so little confidence in owners or management team getting it right.

The business done under Selles was a disaster and the business wilder has done over the last few windows he’s overseen has also been a disaster.

If even half the rumours are true about our transfer targets (older, less athletic, potentially injury prone players who’ll command big contracts) are true then there’s a real chance we could be financially crippled by some of these decisions for years to come. We can’t keep handing out big deals to players with no re-sale value. We’re lucky this summer because our academy looks like it can bail us out.

 

[Dkc]

There’s never been more discontent and disconnection amongst the fan base

Really? More than under Peters when we went down to the 4th tier? More than under Adkins? Robson? Adams? More than under Selles earlier this season?

Can't believe that so many are throwing their toys out of the pram because we didn't get promotion this season. These same people would surely be calling for a change of manager if we had a 'shit' season in the PL and finished 16th.

There are 24 teams in the Championship. Only three can go up. We have no more right to success than any other team. Be thankful we didn't suffer a similar fate to Leicester or the pigs, and look forward positively to next season.

 

[ben1987]

Really? More than under Peters when we went down to the 4th tier? More than under Adkins? Robson? Adams? More than under Selles earlier this season?

Can't believe that so many are throwing their toys out of the pram because we didn't get promotion this season. These same people would surely be calling for a change of manager if we had a 'shit' season in the PL and finished 16th.

There are 24 teams in the Championship. Only three can go up. We have no more right to success than any other team. Be thankful we didn't suffer a similar fate to Leicester or the pigs, and look forward positively to next season.

1. I’m not ‘throwing my toys out the pram’ I’m offering my opinion in a debate, in the relevant thread on a public forum. Just because my opinion does not match yours doesn’t mean it’s either wrong or or I’m having a paddy

And 2, I’m not old enough to remember some of those but I think it’s as bad now as it was under Adkins and Adams because under those managers the fan base was still United. United and in agreement that those managers were awful. The fan base is currently split and really unmotivated. There’s also a growing disinterest in football in general with VAR and the premier league becoming a closed shop.

 

[alcoblade]

Really? More than under Peters when we went down to the 4th tier? More than under Adkins? Robson? Adams? More than under Selles earlier this season?

Can't believe that so many are throwing their toys out of the pram because we didn't get promotion this season. These same people would surely be calling for a change of manager if we had a 'shit' season in the PL and finished 16th.

There are 24 teams in the Championship. Only three can go up. We have no more right to success than any other team. Be thankful we didn't suffer a similar fate to Leicester or the pigs, and look forward positively to next season.

Yes - "There’s never been more discontent and disconnection amongst the fan base" is miles off in my experience. But I've heard others say it.

My thoughts are that social media attracts a certain type and gives a biassed picture.

RIght now I'm "meh" about Wilder, but comments like that don't make a splash.