Chris Wilder is “still in talks” with Sheffield United as his expected exit from the club is delayed.
It’s been widely reported today that Wilder will be leaving his role as Blades manager.
A 5pm press conference which was expected to announce the decision was cancelled.
The club said it was due to “circumstances beyond our control” – as reported by Yorkshire Live’s United reporter, Nathan Hemmingham.
Now BBC Radio Sheffield Sports Editor, Andy Giddings, has provided some further information.
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This is presumably why the press conference was called off.
Whether there is an announcement today remains to be seen. Yet it seems clear that one thing hasn’t changed – Wilder will be leaving his job as Blades boss.
Talks delaying a sad end to a Sheffield United legacy
There is still some discrepancy about whether Wilder will be sacked, or leave by mutual consent.
It obviously looks better for all parties if it’s the latter. But from Wilder’s point-of-view, he won’t want that to hinder his pay off.
Under contract until 2024, the 53-year-old will be owed a decent package if the club have decided he is no longer the man for the job.
Either way, it will be a sorry end to what has been a largely superb time for United under Wilder.
The boyhood fan and academy product took charge in 2016 as the South Yorkshire side headed into a sixth successive season in League One.
There was a disconnect between the fans and the players and a once mighty force in English football was languishing in the third tier.
That first campaign Wilder led them to the title with 100 points. Two years later they were promoted to the Premier League for the first time in 12 years.
Last term, Wilder’s men finished ninth. It was their highest league position since 1992.
Those achievements grant Wilder legendary status regardless of what happens now.
Yet talks of a breakdown in his relationship with the board, public outbursts aimed at the owners and bizarre rants about “do-gooders and lefties” leaves things on a sour note.