Sheffield United set for significant financial boost as details behind likely Chris Wilder appointment emerge

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As Sheffield United sound out Chris Wilder as an option to replace the under-pressure Ruben Selles, COH Sports’ decision could be financially motivated.

Pressure on Ruben Selles has continued to mount after Sheffield United suffered defeat to Ipswich Town, making it five successive defeats for the Blades in the Championship.

Sheffield United looked deflated at Portman Road as Jaden Philogene bagged a hat-trick for Ipswich Town, while Jack Clarke and George Hirst popped up with the other goals to make it 5-0.

After the dire start to the campaign, it is understood that Selles’ tenure could be drawing to a close soon, with Sheffield United approaching Chris Wilder to return, in what we can confirm to have financial benefits for the club.

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Chris Wilder’s appointment could provide Sheffield United with significant financial benefit

EFL Analysis have been told by our chief transfer expert, Graeme Bailey, that Chris Wilder is keen to return to Sheffield United, and that it would be as manager rather than technical director, a role that they are also looking to fill.

We can also exclusively reveal that, while Wilder was handed a substantial payoff after departing Sheffield United, it is being paid monthly, meaning that bringing him back would save them hundreds of thousands of pounds in the process.

The drawback is, of course, that Ruben Selles would then have to be paid off by Sheffield United.

Owners, COH Sports, made the decision to part ways with Wilder in July following the Championship play-off final defeat, with Selles’ appointment being described as a change of direction.

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Chris Wilder’s record with the Blades

There is no surprise that Sheffield United are keen to re-appoint Chris Wilder, not only for the financial benefits of no longer having to pay his payoff, but also the connection he has at the club and the record he has, particularly at Championship level.

During his time at Sheffield United, Wilder has managed 140 wins in 305 matches, losing 108 in the process.

In the Championship with the Blades, Wilder has won 74 out of 138, averaging 1.81 points per match.

If anyone is able to get United out of their current situation, it is Wilder, who managed a brilliant 2024/25 campaign before bizarrely being let go by COH Sports, who must surely be regretting their original decision now.