Former Sheffield United boss Dave Bassett has tipped Chris Wilder for a manager of the year award.
The Blades are fifth heading into the latest international break following a fantastic start to their first Premier League season in 12 years.
Their 1-1 draw at Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend means they’re unbeaten in six league games away from home. That is the first time a newly promoted side has achieved that in 25 years.
Not only that but United have the second best defensive record in the division behind Leicester City. They have also kept the joint most clean sheets with five.
Bassett is one of only three people to have managed the club in the Premier League – along with Neil Warnock and now Wilder – and thinks the latter will receive plenty of plaudits this term.
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“He’s got to be up there for manager of the season. He was manager of the year last year and he’s kept that going,” Bassett told Love Sport Radio.
“Sheffield United have had a wonderful start to the season – they’ve not lost away from home, they’ve gone to some good clubs and acquitted themselves well.
“If they carry it on like this, he’s got a great chance of winning it again”
Praise from a mentor in Dave Bassett
(Photo by Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images)
Wilder is sure to be pleased to receive such praise from someone he describes as a “mentor”. The current Blades boss came through the academy and broke into the first team at Bramall Lane under Bassett – known affectionately as “Harry”.
“Harry was a mentor for me, and still is,” Wilder told Goals on Sunday. “He still comes to the games. He’s a great guy.”
Bassett is of course referring to Wilder’s LMA Manager of the Year award from last term. The 52-year-old beat the likes of Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp to the gong after guiding United to second in the Championship and promotion to the top flight.
Now Wilder is going toe-to-toe with those coaches and is proving to be more than a match. Another win wouldn’t be undeserved if things continue as they are.
