EXCLUSIVE: Sheffield United have sounded out Chris Wilder about a return as manager boss once more – with Paul Heckingbottom’s position in serious jeopardy after 2-1 defeat at Tottenham leaves them winless in five
- Sheffield United are in talks to bring back Chris Wilder as manager
- Wilder had two spells as a Blades player and was manager from 2016 to 2021
- Listen to the latest episode of the Mail Sport podcast ‘It all begins’
Sheffield United are considering a move to bring Chris Wilder back to Bramall Lane after their winless run was extended to five games in the late defeat to Tottenham.
Mail Sport understands Paul Heckingbottom’s position is in serious jeopardy, with United in 17th place after four defeats and a solitary point against Everton ahead of the international break.
Sources say Wilder has already been sounded out about a return to the club, where he enjoyed great success between 2016 and 2021. In that time he led them out of League One before securing promotion to the Premier League in 2019.
Two years later he left United at the bottom of the division with just 14 points from 28 games. Despite these difficulties, he remains popular with fans and senior figures at the club.
The 55-year-old, who made more than 100 appearances for Sheffield United in two spells as a player, has been out of work since leaving Watford when his short-term contract expired in the summer.
Sheffield United are considering a move to bring Chris Wilder back as manager at Bramall Lane
Wilder was a Blades player in two different spells and was the club’s manager between 2016 and 2021
Wilder is still popular with fans and players of Sheffield United, who are winless in their last five
Any move to sack Heckingbottom would seem harsh so soon after leading the club back to the Premier League earlier this year. It would also contradict comments from their CEO, Stephen Bettis, who recently offered strong support to the manager.
However, it has been noted that the once difficult relationship between Wilder and the owner, Prince Abdullah, has changed dramatically in recent months.
It is understood Wilder was at the 2-1 stoppage time loss to Spurs.