Chris Wilder drops new Billy Sharp, Sheffield United reunion claim - "I'm a fan" | OneFootball

Sheffield United co-owner Steven Rosen teased the possibility of Billy Sharp returning to the club

Sheffield United re-appointed Chris Wilder as manager in September just months after his dismissal, and he's been working hard to arrest the horrific start to the season that Ruben Selles endured.

The 58-year-old oversaw the Blades’ run to the play-off final last season, where they lost 2-1 to Sunderland at Wembley Stadium.

This proved to be his final game in charge before being replaced by Selles, but the Spaniard lasted just five league games in the dugout before Wilder made his return.

This is the experienced coach’s third stint at Bramall Lane, previously guiding the club to Premier League promotion in 2019, followed by a ninth-placed finish in the top flight.

But the Yorkshire outfit’s sights are now set on closing the gap to the play-off places, although an excellent run of form will now be needed in order to return to the top six for a second season in a row.

Sheffield United’s new owners COH Sports received plenty of criticism for their handling of the club in the last 12 months, but they have begun rectifying their mistakes - starting with Wilder’s return as manager a few months ago.

Chris Wilder responds to possible Billy Sharp reunion at Sheffield United

Earlier this week, co-owner Steven Rosen teased the possibility of Billy Sharp returning to Sheffield United when taking to the fanzone stage to address supporters.

Wilder has responded to the suggestion of the forward coming back to Bramall Lane with positivity, claiming that it would be nice to see a former player of his on the coaching staff at Bramall Lane.

“I'm a fan of ex-players being around the football club,” Wilder told The Star.

“Whether they're working full-time in the academy, whether they're on matchdays.

“TC [Tony Currie] floating about the pace is magical. I had a pint with Bradders [Carl Bradshaw] and Wayne Quinn on Sunday. Jamie Hoyland's here [as United’s chief scout] and Mitch Ward's around as well.

“I get calls and texts all the time off old players, Paul Beesley and Tony Agana and Alan Kelly. And I’ll have missed a load of others, too. They love the football club.

“Sharpy was at the game on Sunday, which was great for everybody. Bashy [Chris Basham], Paul Coutts, Mark Duffy. All of them, they loved their time here and I think it's really important that we surround our football club with iconic players."

Wilder emphasised the importance of having people who know the club well from their time as players, and that it can only be beneficial to the team currently plying their trade at Bramall Lane.

“I understand, from speaking to Bill, that he'll want to stay in the game," Wilder added.

“I'm sure he's got a lot to offer still [as a player] and he'll have a lot to offer in the future obviously.

“His career has been fabulous and it's obviously one of the hardest positions to play. So any work that he gives out going forward, or advice to anybody, he's top drawer.”

Sheffield United are currently 16th in the Championship standings, after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Coventry City on Wednesday night, which saw their gap to the play-off places widen.

Wilder’s side will be looking to put that loss behind them this weekend when they travel to face QPR at Loftus Road on Saturday in a 3pm kick-off.

Billy Sharp returning to Bramall Lane as a coach would be a glorious homecoming

Sharp is a Sheffield United legend, playing a key role in their rise from League One to the Premier League under Wilder, so fans will surely be happy to see him back around Bramall Lane and the training ground.

He scored in three separate divisions for the Yorkshire outfit, including six times in the top flight, and was a massive part of that journey.

While he is still competing at the age of 40, plying his trade at Doncaster Rovers, he must be thinking about his career following the end of his playing time.

A return to Sheffield United to embark on a life as a coach would make a lot of sense, especially if Wilder is still in charge by then given their background working together.