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Former Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder has shed further light on his Blades departure and why he ‘should be’ in a job right now.
Sheffield United’s owners, COH Sports, acquired the club midway through the 2024/25 season, bringing a new approach to how the club was run.
Despite a brilliant season following relegation from the Premier League, which saw the Blades notch a respectable 90 points, Sheffield United lost to Sunderland in the play-off final, which proved to be the last dance for Chris Wilder as head coach.
COH Sports decided to go on a different route and replace the popular Wilder with recently sacked Hull City boss Ruben Selles.
It has been a difficult start to life at Sheffield United for Selles, and whilst Wilder stands by the fact that he should still be in management, he has not held a grudge against the club for his sacking.
Chris Wilder provides more clarity on feelings around Sheffield United sacking
On the opening weekend of the Championship season, Chris Wilder discussed his Sheffield United sacking, having said: “It stings, of course it does, and I wasn’t expecting it, but these things happen and you have to move on.”
Since then, the Blades boss has revealed more about his true feelings behind the decision.
Speaking on The Sports Agents podcast, Chris Wilder said: “Yeah, I should be. I should be at the training ground or on a bus somewhere at this particular moment, or stood on the side of a pitch.
“Yeah, of course it’s difficult at times, because you know really where you should be and what you should be doing.”
When asked whether he holds a grudge against COH Sports after their decision, he said: “I do understand. You know, new owners want to come in and have their own man in situ. I respect that. So, no falling out in terms of conversations with the owners.
“I’ve had disappointments in terms of what’s happened in my journey as a coach and a manager, so you have to recover. And I think it’s just part and parcel of how you deal with things.”
After two games of the 2025/26 Championship season, Sheffield United find themselves bottom of the league after defeats to Bristol City and Swansea City.
COH Sports decisions could set Ruben Selles up for failure
Following the dismissal of Chris Wilder from Bramall Lane, COH Sports have already set up lofty expectations for his successor, Ruben Selles, who will likely have to improve on what the former Blades boss achieved last season.
A new ownership group can show ambition, something that the fan base wants to see, but this has to be followed up by significant backing in the transfer window in order for Selles to have the supplies to meet expectations.
As things stand, Sheffield United have not replaced Anel Ahmedhodzic, and look incredibly open in defence as a result, which makes Selles’ role very difficult.
Fans have already started to turn on the Spaniard, but after such a poor wave of recruitment, supporters cannot expect Selles to mount a serious promotion charge with the lack of investment so far.