Chris Wilder has departed Sheffield United via ‘mutual consent’ after almost five years in charge at Bramall Lane, following a disastrous run of just seven wins in all competitions this season.
Wilder took over in May 2016 from Nigel Adkins and guided his boyhood club to automatic promotion as champions of 2016-17 League One, before spending two seasons in the Championship in which the club clinched automatic promotion to the Premier League in 2018-19 season as runners-up.
Last season saw the club finish ninth after a late-season drop in form post lockdown which combined with this season meant a run of just ten wins in their last 43 matches across all competitions since the resumption of 2019-20 season in June.
Recent weeks however has seen tensions between Wilder and the club build due to their ongoing struggles, combined with the board’s desire to appoint a Director of Football in a change of off-field structure at Bramall Lane despite the 53 year-old retaining full backing from the club.
Speaking on his departure via ‘mutual consent’, Wilder said: “Being manager of Sheffield United has been a special journey and one I’ll never forget.”
Wilder also spoke of his pride at the success he has achieved with the club including two promotions and placed on record his thanks to everyone who helped contribute to the team’s success from players to staff and supporters.
In a statement, the club thanked Wilder for his ‘hard work, commitment and expertise’ in guiding the club forward, yet confirmed that their aim is to strive for a strong finish to this season and prepare for the Championship should they be relegated.
Plans are also afoot to retain the core group of players whilst continuing to invest further in the youth academy and first team, in turn placing the club in his best possible position for the future moving forward.
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