Despite a 90-point season and near-promotion, Wilder exits as new owners Coh Sports seek fresh direction.
Chris Wilder has left Sheffield United by mutual consent after the club’s agonising failure to secure promotion back to the Premier League. The decision comes just weeks after the Blades suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Sunderland in the Championship play-off final at Wembley.
Wilder, who steered the club to a 90-point finish last season, was unable to deliver a return to the top flight. While that tally would have secured automatic promotion in eight of the last ten seasons, a two-point EFL deduction and four consecutive defeats in the run-in ultimately cost United a Premier League place.
The club confirmed the departure in a statement on Wednesday evening, saying Wilder and his coaching staff—Alan Knill and Matt Prestridge—left with the “best wishes and gratitude of everyone” at Bramall Lane.
United are now in advanced talks with Spanish coach Ruben Selles to take over the reins. Selles, recently sacked by Hull City despite guiding them to safety, previously managed Reading and served as interim boss at Southampton. Notably, he masterminded a 3-0 win over Wilder’s Blades at Bramall Lane in January—one of their most humbling defeats of the season.
US-based ownership group COH Sports, led by Steven Rosen and Helmy Eltoukhy, completed their takeover of the club in December. Though Wilder was already in charge, the new regime has now opted for change. Despite Wilder’s deep ties to the club and city, the owners are seeking a new head coach who aligns with their data-driven model for recruitment and football operations.
Sky Sports News reports that there was no fallout between Wilder and the board—on the contrary, relations with Rosen remain strong. However, COH are determined to install their own man and reshape the footballing philosophy at Bramall Lane.
In an emotional farewell statement, Wilder expressed pride in his work and affection for the fans and city. “It is with great regret that my time at Sheffield United has come to an end,” he said. “To the fans, I’m obviously disappointed to be leaving, particularly because we were so close to getting back to the Premier League. I’m a Sheffielder through and through—I love this club and this city, and that feeling will never change.”
He added: “Leading this team over 300 times will remain an incredible part of my life. This is a heartfelt thank you for all your support.”
Wilder’s second spell in charge began with a major rebuild: 22 players left, and the average age of the squad was slashed to 24. He successfully moulded a youthful team that exceeded expectations, but the bitter Wembley defeat to Sunderland proved to be his last act.
The owners acknowledged Wilder’s impact and the value he added to the squad, highlighted by last week’s signing of Nigerian winger Ehije Ukaki from Botev Plovdiv, based on standout data from Bulgaria’s First Pro League. But despite that, the COH board remains committed to a modernised footballing vision.
Gary O’Neil was previously under consideration for the role, but the board opted to pursue Selles, believing his approach better fits the future of the club.
Wilder previously led Sheffield United to the Premier League in his first tenure, only to be sacked in 2021. His return in 2023 gave fans renewed hope, and the club’s progress under his leadership was undeniable. However, the painful Wembley loss and a changing ownership climate have brought a second end to his tenure.
As Sheffield United now look toward a new chapter, the Wilder era closes—marked by passion, progress, and a final season that came painfully close to glory.
