Former Hull City head coach Ruben Selles has emerged as a candidate at Sheffield United should they decide to part company with Chris Wilder, according to journalist Alan Nixon.
Rumours have been rife over the past week that the Blades are considering a managerial change after they failed to gain promotion to the Premier League. Wilder guided the club to a third placed finish, amassing an impressive 90 points. This total arrived in spite of a two point deduction at the beginning of the campaign.
The play-offs started well for the Yorkshire-based side. They dismantled Bristol City over two legs in the semi-final, winning both games 3-0 to set up a showdown with Sunderland at Wembley Stadium. However, they suffered heartbreak when Tommy Watson’s 95th minute winner saw the Black Cats emerge victorious.
Sheffield United Draw Up Managerial Shortlist
Wilder’s future was first thrown into doubt at the end of last month when it was claimed that owners COH Sports were considering a change. The news gathered pace this week when respected journalists Miguel Delaney and John Percy both reported that the end was nigh.
News has now emerged that a shortlist of potential successors has been drawn up, which include former Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Gary O’Neil and 42-year-old Ruben Selles. Whilst it is claimed that O’Neil is the frontrunner, Selles is said to be a ‘live candidate’.
The ex-Reading head coach departed the Select Car Leasing Stadium in December to take on the role at struggling Hull. The Tigers found themselves battling at the wrong end of the table, with the Spaniard tasked with keeping them in the division.
Selles achieved just that, albeit by the skin of his teeth. A final day draw with Portsmouth was enough to secure survival on goal difference following Luton Town’s 5-3 defeat against West Bromwich Albion.
Writer’s View
It’s difficult to see Selles being given the job at Sheffield United, although the fact that he is reportedly on the shortlist is a testament to the reputation he has built. There are many quarters that believe his sacking at Hull was unjustified, especially when he achieved the objective he was set and hadn’t been given a chance to build his own squad. That decision looks even more ludicrous now a team at the opposite end of the table are considering his appointment. Should Wilder be shown the exit door, O’Neil is certainly more likely, but it won’t be long before Selles is given another opportunity in the Championship.
