According to SkyBet, Tottenham Hotspur and Everton are the managerial jobs most likely to come up next in the Premier League – and Chris Wilder will be linked.
The Sheffield United boss has caused something of a stir since coming up to the Premier League. Wilder’s innovative tactics and matter-of-fact persona on camera has got people talking.
First it was the overlapping centre-backs. This is a tactic Wilder and assistant Alan Knill have used at Bramall Lane since their League One days. Yet for those unacquainted with the lower leagues, this season is their first experience of it.
Of the three promoted sides from the Championship, the Blades have made the best start after seven matches. Ahead of their trip to Watford this weekend they sit 12th in the table with eight points. This has included a win at Goodison Park and draw against Chelsea.
Why Everton and Spurs will want Chris Wilder
There is a juxtaposition between the work Wilder does and how some perceive him. United have already been described as “direct” by Danny Mills and “basic” by Garth Crooks.
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Even this week, Natalie Sawyer accused Wilder on talkSPORT of “dinosaur management.” This was after his response to questions about how he would treat Dean Henderson following his costly mistake against Liverpool.
Yet as this excellent defence of Wilder by Football365 suggests, would there have been the same reaction if Pep Guardiola or Jurgen Klopp had said it?
Fortunately or unfortunately – depending on your stance – well run football clubs will not take this ignorance into account when they search for a new manager.
They will look past Wilder’s Sheffield accent and man of the people personality and focus on his tactical efficiency. They will look at his three promotions in the last four years, his LMA manager of the year award last season.
Since the beginning of the 2014/15 campaign, no other manager has won more league games in England. They will look at that.
Whether or not the Toffees would actually make an approach, or Wilder could get the top job at Spurs, is debatable. But don’t be surprised when he’s in the conversation.
Even though Mills and Crooks almost certainly will be.