In 2017, a Sheffield Star poll resulted in Dave Bassett being named the greatest Sheffield United manager of all time.
Bassett beat Neil Warnock to the title, while John Harris was in third place.
During almost eight years in charge at Bramall Lane, the now 75-year-old led the Blades to successive promotions to guide them from the third tier to the top flight.
Bassett kept United in the division for four seasons, which coincided with the introduction of the Premier League. Brian Deane famously scored the first goal of the newly named league, when he netted for the Blades in an opening day defeat to Manchester United in 1992/93.
It is therefore easy to see why Bassett received the honour – but he says he would be “delighted” if Chris Wilder took his crown.
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Could Wilder become greatest Sheffield United manager ever?
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Like Bassett, Wilder also led United to two promotions to return to the top tier. When the former was receiving his honour in 2017, the latter was about to take the club out of League One after six years in the division.
Not only that, but they won the title with 100 points.
After a tenth place finish in the Championship in 2017/18, Wilder’s men finished second behind Norwich City in 2018/19.
Their first Premier League campaign in 12 years has been just as impressive. After 28 matches played they have 43 points and sit in seventh position. They also have a game in hand over those directly above them.
This fine form under Wilder is why Bassett wouldn’t mind seeing the 52-year-old take his title.
“If Chris goes on to become United’s greatest ever manager I would be delighted,” he told Examiner Live.
“I had a period where I was voted it and if Chris comes along and takes over that role I would be delighted for him.
“It’s nice to have accolades and I certainly hope Chris does go on to become the greatest manager ever. I will be the second best then, which isn’t bad is it when you consider how many they have had?”
