Chris Wilder set to make key Sheffield United staff change - it involves ex-Coventry City icon | OneFootball

Chris Wilder was recently named Sheffield United manager for a third time, and he's looking to shape his coaching staff

Sheffield United have appointed Chris Wilder as manager for the third time, and he's looking to give former EFL winger Gary McSheffrey a chance on his coaching staff.

The Blades have suffered a horrendous start to the 2025/26 Championship campaign, losing their first five matches of a Football League campaign for just the second time in their history.

Ruben Selles had been appointed as the Steel City side’s boss after Wilder was dismissed for failing to secure a return to the Premier League last term, despite his United side becoming just the second team in the competition’s history to record 90 points but not achieve automatic promotion.

However, the Spaniard has been dismissed after less than three months in the job, which paved the way for Wilder to make another sensational return to Bramall Lane.

With Sheffield United currently sitting at the bottom of the table, the 55-year-old will have to get to work quickly, which is exactly what he is doing behind the scenes.

Chris Wilder makes immediate Sheffield United promotion in his coaching staff

After arriving back at Sheffield United, Wilder is already making tweaks to his coaching staff in an attempt to get the Blades performing back at the level they showed last term.

According to journalist Alan Nixon via his Patreon channel, United’s boss is ready to promote under-21s coach Gary McSheffrey to the first team staff.

McSheffrey has worked with several of the young talents who have broken into the Blades’ first-team in recent times, with Wilder reportedly hoping that the former winger will be able to help coach more of the emerging prospects coming through.

The 43-year-old previously took charge of Doncaster Rovers during the 2021/22 campaign but hasn’t held another first-team role since his exit from the Eco-Power Stadium.

McSheffrey made 281 appearances for Coventry City during his playing days, scoring 73 goals and providing 21 assists during his two playing stints with the Sky Blues.

The ex-attacker achieved a remarkable six promotions during his time in the Football League, which also included spells with Birmingham City, Leeds United and Nottingham Forest, with 41 appearances coming in the Premier League.

Chris Wilder will hope small tweaks bring large success at Sheffield United

Although Wilder has been away from Sheffield United for a relatively short period of time, a lot has changed in the Blades’ squad.

Key operators such as Anel Ahmedhodžić and Vini Souza have exited Bramall Lane, with their replacements currently looking less than adequate during the opening stages of this season.

The Steel City side’s boss won’t be able to carry out a squad overhaul or make drastic changes, so he will have to optimise whatever small tweaks he can perform.

Promoting McSheffrey to his coaching staff is one of them, as it could have massive benefits on the training ground, especially with players who have previously worked with the former winger.