Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder has been named as the Championship manager of the season.
With eight games left to go, the Blades are second in the table and in with a great chance of returning to the Premier League for the first time since 2007.
While big spenders like Aston Villa and Middlesbrough have struggled to push for the top, United have been there most of the year but with far fewer resources.
It could be argued that Alex Neil and Lee Johnson, in charge of Preston North End and Bristol City respectively, have also overachieved.
Yet the real contenders to Wilder’s new crown are Daniel Farke and Marcelo Bielsa. Farke manages leaders Norwich City, who are the current favourites to go up to the top flight.
(Photo by James Chance/Getty Images)
Legendary tactician Bielsa, meanwhile, was a summer appointment and has brought his own particular brand to Leeds United. They are currently third and a point behind the Blades.
Leeds and United are also Yorkshire rivals and there is no love lost. However, even several of their fans have admitted Wilder deserves the award.
Bielsa has done an outstanding job to teach this mid-table squad his philosophy in his first season in England, but I can’t argue with Wilder’s selection at all.
The top three have all overachieved this season, and whoever won it out of #ncfc, #sufc or #lufc would be deserving.
— We Are Leeds (@WeAreLeeds1919) March 27, 2019
Fair enough…..no issue with that….decent bloke.
— Patricio Wymerio (@WymerPatrick) March 26, 2019
Yeah. I don’t argue with Wilder winning it. Neither of them will really care though, they just want promotion. Gonna be tight!
— Josh Hobbs (@JoshAHobbs) March 27, 2019
Fair enough hes done a good job, at least all the top clubs will be after him now instead of Bielsa ……….
— ALBielsaLeeds72 (@sides_allen) March 27, 2019
Yet what is perhaps even more surprising is that those from across the city at Sheffield Wednesday have offered their congratulations to Wilder.
Well deserved (and this from an Owl)
— Rob Barnes (@hangonrose) March 26, 2019
as an Owl, difficult to say but fully deserved.
— JOHN HEROLD (@JOHNHEROLD5) March 26, 2019
