Chris Wilder chose Southampton over Sheffield United as a player, now he must pile misery on Saints

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Chris Wilder and Sheffield United are absolutely synonymous with one another these days, but the Blades boss once opted to sign for Southampton as a player.

One of the biggest stories of the Championship season so far has been the quickfire return of Chris Wilder to his beloved Sheffield United.

After realising the error of their ways in sacking Wilder, the Blades board parted ways with Ruben Selles and brought the Sheffield United icon back home.

Wilder avoided a disastrous record by beating Oxford United on Saturday and registering the first win of his third term with Sheffield United. Next up is a tough test against Southampton, which will be something of a blast from the past for Wilder.

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Chris Wilder decision to join Southampton was vindicated

You’d think that Wilder — born and raised in Sheffield — would’ve jumped at the choice to join the Blades as a youngster. But you’d be wrong.

While a young Chris Wilder did attract attention from Sheffield United, his dad turned them down and got in touch with Kevin Keegan at Southampton instead.

Wilder spoke about that situation in his book, He’s One Of Our Own, and insisted he had no regrets about spurning his boyhood club.

He wrote: “I wouldn’t change my time down there for the world. It was the best decision that could have been made. I moved away at 16 and it was tough and uncompromising, but the stats speak for themselves; I think of our group of 12 boys, ten went on to have professional careers.

“It was tough but very rewarding… we were taught life skills as well as football skills. Moving away at 16 from family and all your pals, living over three hours away… it was sink or swim really.

“It taught us discipline and tested us, mentally and physically. I look back now and it was really tough, but I wouldn’t change a thing.”

Wilder would eventually be released by Southampton and end up at Sheffield United.

But, while plying his trade for the Saints, Wilder did meet Alan Knill, who would later become part of the backroom staff at Sheffield United, time and time again.

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Sheffield United have to build momentum after Oxford United win

Interestingly, Wilder was made captain at Sheffield United and led the team to a 4-0 win over Southampton in the top flight.

“To stand outside the referee’s room to hand in the teamsheet, as a skipper, in the top flight, meant the world to me,” Wilder added. “As did the result that day.”

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
19	SouthamptonSouthampton	7	1	4	2	8	10	-2	7
20	BlackburnBlackburn	6	2	0	4	5	8	-3	6
21	DerbyDerby	7	1	3	3	9	13	-4	6
22	Oxford UnitedOxford United	7	1	2	4	9	11	-2	5
23	Sheffield WednesdaySheffield Wednesday	7	1	2	4	6	13	-7	5
24	Sheffield UtdSheffield Utd	7	1	0	6	2	13	-11	3

Now, the Blades finally have their first win of the season after a 1-0 victory over Oxford at the weekend. They may still be at the bottom of the league, but breaking their duck will lift the spirits in the dressing room massively ahead of their midweek clash with Southampton.

Will Still picked up an important point against league leaders Middlesbrough at the weekend. They’ll need to be on top form to get anything from a tricky trip to Bramall Lane on Tuesday night, though.

Wilder is hard to beat at the best of times. But, given his history with Southampton, you just know the Sheffield United manager will be desperate to inflict more misery on the Saints.