Former Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has held talks with Leicester City over their vacant position, according to Football League World.
The 57-year-old was dismissed by the Blades last month, bringing to an end his second tenure with the club. He had guided the Yorkshire-based outfit to a third placed finish last season, amassing a huge 90 points, despite their two point deduction at the beginning of the campaign.
United had to make do with a spot in the play-offs after both Leeds United and Burnley both hit 100 points. They made light work of Bristol City in the semi-final, winning both legs 3-0.
Fourth-placed Sunderland awaited in the final at Wembley and it looked as if Wilder’s team were destined to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking when Tyrese Campbell handed his side a first half lead. The Black Cats rallied though and secured an equaliser with 14 minutes remaining through Eliezer Mayenda before hearts were broken when Tommy Watson bagged the winner deep into added time.
This eventually cost the former Middlesbrough boss his job, where he was instantly replaced by Ruben Selles.
Wilder Set For Instant Return To The Dugout?
It has now been claimed that Wilder has held talks with Leicester ahead of a potential return to the dugout. The Foxes parted company with Ruud van Nistelrooy at the end of last month following their relegation from the Premier League.
Sean Dyche was immediately installed as the favourite to land the position but reports soon emerged that the ex-Burnley and Everton manager was not interested in dropping back to the Championship. The 54-year-old has spent the best part of the last decade in the Premier League and will still fancy his chances of landing a role at a lower ranked top tier club over the course of the next few months.
This saw Sheffield Wednesday’s Danny Rohl move into contention, with the German expected to depart the Owls in the coming days. However, the situation remains complicated, which may have opened up an opportunity for Wilder.
Writer’s View
Chris Wilder’s credentials suggest he would be a good fit for Leicester. He already has a Championship promotion under his belt and was extremely unlucky not to add to that last season. Although conversations appear to have taken place between the 57-year-old and the Foxes, it would still be somewhat of a shock to see him land the position. Dyche and Rohl are still the favourites by some distance and the latter’s situation at Sheffield Wednesday means his appointment appears the most likely at this stage.
