Struggling West Ham are eyeing up a move for Sheffield United manager, Chris Wilder.
West Ham are keen on Chris Wilder (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
The Blades boss has led his team to sixth following yesterday’s draw with Manchester United. West Ham, on the other hand, are struggling down in 16th following their home loss against Spurs.
Despite being backed in the summer, manager Manuel Pellegrini appears to already be under pressure. His new signings haven’t panned out as planned, and, according to the Daily Mirror, the Hammers have identified Wilder as the man they want in his place.
While no immediate decision is expected over Pellegrini yet, he is under mounting pressure. Last week’s departure of Mauricio Pochettino from Spurs seems to have started the yearly manager merry-go-round.
Mauricio Pochettino lost his job last week with Spurs (Photo by IAN KINGTON/AFP via Getty Images)
Pellegrini has been successful in the Premier League with Manchester City. However, after a summer of investment he is struggling to get the best out of his Hammers side. Indeed, they have only won three games and sit just three points off the bottom three.
Is anyone else in the frame other than Chris Wilder?
As is the norm when managers are under pressure, different names are being linked to replace Pellegrini.
Wilder is indeed one of them, but Chris Hughton is also credited with being on their radar. Former Hammers boss, David Moyes, is also a surprise name in the hat.
However, Rafa Benitez is also one of the more high profile names mentioned in the report. Benitez could well be keen on a return to the Premier League after leaving Newcastle United.
Should Blades fans be worried – our view
In a word, no. West Ham is simply not the sort of job we can see Chris Wilder taking.
This, by all means, doesn’t mean he won’t glance or have a think about it, but it’s hard to imagine him leaving his beloved Blades for the Hammers.
Chris Wilder has led Sheffield United to sixth in the Premier League (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
There is the acrimonious history between the clubs, not to mention the move down south. Couple those things with a club who don’t seem to have much direction and a stadium that is continually criticised, and suddenly it doesn’t look such a good proposition.
With a bit of luck, Chris Wilder will ignore any West Ham advance and continue his stellar work at Bramall Lane.
