The steps Sheffield United are taking to find Chris Wilder successor as Ruben Selles gets glowing reference

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Sheffield United made the shock decision to sack manager Chris Wilder on the back of the Blades’ Championship play-off final defeat to Sunderland.

Sheffield United were beaten by Sunderland in the Championship play-off final, which has proven to be Chris Wilder’s last game in charge of the Blades.

EFL Analysis revealed earlier in June that Wilder was set for crunch talks over his Sheffield United future, and days on from those discussions with the new ownership group, the Blades boss was sacked.

Sheffield United fans labelled the decision “disgusting”, given how impressive his side had been this season to reach 93 points, bettered only by high-fliers Leeds United and Burnley.

With Wilder departing Bramall Lane, former Hull City head coach Ruben Selles has been mentioned as a potential successor.

EFL Analysis can reveal the steps Sheffield United are taking in their pursuit of the Spaniard.

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Sheffield United hold talks with Ruben Selles after sacking Chris Wilder

Wilder’s side were 45 minutes away from Premier League promotion in the play-off final last month, before Regis Le Bris’ Black Cats turned the Wembley showpiece around in their favour.

Goals from Eliezer Mayenda and Tommy Watson left Wilder and the Sheffield United faithful crestfallen, in which has proven to be his final game as Blades boss.

Former Southampton coach Selles was named as a potential Wilder successor recently, and now we can reveal the steps Sheffield United are taking in their homework on Selles.

EFL Analysis understands, via our Chief Football correspondent Graeme Bailey, that Sheffield United have held talks about Selles becoming the new boss.

We can also reveal that United’s hierarchy have touched base with Southampton counterparts for references about Selles.

The Saints were able to inform Sheffield United of their belief that Selles is a high-calibre operator and coach.

Whilst Sheffield United insist that they are doing work on multiple options, Selles is by far the most advanced to this point.

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Ruben Selles’ managerial record amid Sheffield United job links

Spaniard Selles was sacked by Hull in May after a six-month stint at the MKM Stadium.

Before his Tigers tenure, Selles spent 78 matches in charge of Reading, and was part of the coaching set-up at Southampton from July 2022 until June 2023.

Selles worked in a variety of roles for the Saints, including as interim manager during their 2022/23 Premier League campaign in place of Ralph Hasenhuttl.

One Championship expert was stunned by Hull’s Sergej Jakirovic appointment after sacking Selles, and Hull’s perceived loss could become Sheffield United’s gain if the highly-rated head coach is appointed by the Blades hierarchy in the coming weeks.