What Chris Wilder had to say about Ruben Selles after Sheffield United sacking

Add as preferred source on Google

Ruben Selles finds himself out of work just three months after his Sheffield United appointment, and his successor Chris Wilder has sympathised with his ‘situation’.

Former Southampton, Reading and Hull City manager Selles was dismissed from his role as Blades boss this weekend after just six games in charge. He lost every one of his fixtures in all competitions, with a 5-0 thumping at Ipswich Town in the Championship the straw that broke the camel’s back.

Sheffield United fan, former player and manager Chris Wilder earned an almost instant return to Bramall Lane as a result, three months after his sacking following the play-off final defeat to Sunderland last term.

Ahead of beginning his third spell as Blades boss, Wilder was asked if he had sympathy for Selles after his tough time at the club.

• READ MORE: Birmingham City beloved cult hero’s event cancelled amid major club error

Chris Wilder admits he was in Ruben Selles’ ‘situation’ at a ‘certain level’ with Sheffield United

Speaking to Sheffield United TV upon his return to the club, he said on Selles: “It’s the game. We’ve all been in that situation. What happened in the summer there was a certain level of that towards me but you have to take it.

“You understand the rules, understand the nature of the game. I think he said that in a couple of his interviews at the back end of his time here.

“We all know how the game is and the risks if you don’t win games of football and you get out of that by winning and that’s what we’re going to try and do.”

Selles led the Blades to the club’s worst start to a Championship campaign after playing five league games, not picking up a single point and scoring just one league goal. Wilder thinks there’s a reason the club have found themselves in this position.

Chris Wilder says there’s a ‘reason’ Sheffield United are where they are as he admits being ‘disappointed’ by sacking

Despite picking up 92 points in the Championship last season and narrowly missing out on automatic promotion before suffering a last-minute play-off defeat at Wembley, Wilder’s contract was terminated.

After going from ball boy to player to manager at Bramall Lane, the 57-year-old admitted he was saddened by his exit – but he revealed he maintained a good relationship with the club’s board.

“I was really disappointed with [the owners’] decision in the summer, of course I was, but I respected it,” he said. “There was no fall out. A decision was made, their choice to make those decisions and I respected it and accepted it and wished the club all the best.

“That’s been an ongoing relationship with the ownership group and the investors since the decision was made. Delighted to be back and working with a talented group of players. There’s a reason I was asked back and there’s a reason the club is in this situation.”

Sheffield United host Wilder’s former club Charlton Athletic, who he almost chose to manage instead of the Blades, in his first game back on Saturday.