How Stephen Bettis reacted when asked whether Chris Wilder will be Sheffield United manager in 2026 | OneFootball

Sheffield United CEO Stephen Bettis has given his thoughts on the future of Chris Wilder

The opening months of the 2025/26 campaign have been a whirlwind for Sheffield United.

Following the surprise sacking of Chris Wilder over the summer, the Blades appointed Ruben Selles as they looked to enter a new era at Bramall Lane.

However, things did not start brightly under the Spaniard, with five losses in the first five Championship matches before he was sacked following a devastating 5-0 loss against Ipswich.

The club instantly reversed their decision, with Wilder retaking his position as head coach just three months after the original sacking.

Results haven't turned instantly, with the Blades picking up just one win since his return, though the recent international break provided a moment of respite before upcoming fixtures against Watford and Blackburn.

Speaking to BBC Sheffield, Blades CEO Stephen Bettis has given his thoughts on Wilder's future at the helm, and whether he will guide the club into the new year.

"You can never make promises that you can't keep" - Blades CEO drops claim on Wilder's future

"No, Chris certainly shouldn't be worried. Chris will be here for the season," said Bettis when asked whether Wilder's future will come into question should results not improve.

The Blades have picked up three points across Wilder's first four back in charge, thanks to a win against Oxford United, before falling to defeat against Southampton and Hull before the international period.

When asked whether Wilder has a future at the club beyond the new year, Bettis responded, saying, "You'd expect so, yeah, is the answer. You can never make promises that you can't keep, but I honestly believe that Chris is the right man for the job. I honestly believe that Chris is going to turn the team around and start getting the results we need."

"And if that's the case, why would he not be here?" concluded Bettis.

Blades need to put the start behind them

After missing out on the Premier League by the finest of margins in May, it's hard to believe that Sheffield United are sitting at rock bottom of the Championship after nine matches.

The Blades started dismally under Ruben Selles, conceding 12 goals in five successive losses. And while results have not turned instantly, the record under Wilder is a stark contrast to that under Selles.

United have conceded four goals in their four Championship matches under Wilder thus far, with two coming against one of the initial promotion favourites, Southampton.

Blades fans will hope that the old adage of 'new manager bounce' doesn't apply against Watford this weekend, with the Hornets reunited with Javi Gracia. But the international break provided the first moment of respite for Sheffield United since the awful start to the season.

Wilder is more than proven at Championship level, and should be trusted to turn things around given his track record at the club. The next step for the Blades is to put the season's opening months behind them, put some points on the board, and begin building once again under a man adored by the Bramall Lane faithful.