“Disappointed” - Leicester City urged to steer clear of appointing ex-Sheffield United manager | OneFootball

FLW's Leicester City Fan Pundit voiced his concerns about the possibility of Chris Wilder taking charge

Leicester City have been told to avoid appointing former Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder as Ruud van Nistelrooy's successor at the King Power Stadium.

As per an FLW exclusive this past weekend, the Foxes have held talks with Wilder regarding their vacant managerial position - with John Percy further reporting that Wilder is on the shortlist, but Gary O'Neil is another to have been interviewed for the role.

Both have emerged on the shortlist as a potential candidate to replace Van Nistelrooy at the East Midlands club, who parted ways with the Dutchman in late June and not sooner due to the financial implications of such a move.

Having previously managed Sheffield United to Premier League promotion, Wilder also had spells with Middlesbrough and Watford - his win percentage with the latter was just 27% though.

Leicester City told Chris Wilder appointment would be a bad move

FLW spoke with our Leicester City Fan Pundit, Louchlainn Martin, who voiced his concerns about the possibility of Chris Wilder taking charge at Leicester City, and it's received a negative reaction.

"To be honest, this is becoming a bit of a trend now, but if it was Chris Wilder to take over from Ruud van Nistelrooy I would honestly be really disappointed," Louchlainn told FLW.

"Obviously, he had a great spell with Sheffield United a few years ago. His recent record though doesn’t exactly inspire much confidence.

"His time at Middlesbrough and Watford was extremely underwhelming, and it feels like a step backwards rather than building on a - well aiming for an exciting future to be honest.

Wilder's spell at Teesside ended when he was sacked in October 2022 after just 11 months in charge. The club sat 22nd in the Championship table at the time, having won just two of their opening 11 matches.

His subsequent stint at Watford was equally brief, lasting only from March to May 2023 - although that was only a temporary contract.

Concerns expressed over Chris Wilder's transfer record and playing style

Louchlainn has also expressed reservations about Wilder's approach to squad building and his track record in the transfer market - referencing three players that the 57-year-old signed at other clubs who have all struggled to establish themselves in Leicester's first team.

"In terms of his personality, I think I actually do like how he approaches certain things, how he talks, but in terms of management style, squad building - I mean he signed Tom Cannon, Hamza Choudhury, Harry Souttar - they’re three players Chris Wilder signed who couldn’t get anywhere near Leicester’s team," Martin said.

Tom Cannon joined Sheffield United for £10m in January this year, and has struggled to make an impact at Bramall Lane - only scoring once in 17 matches.

Hamza Choudhury and Harry Souttar both spent time on loan with Blades last season - with Choudhury being a fringe player at Leicester for years after coming through their academy.

Leicester City preference issued for a younger, progressive coach like Danny Rohl

Rather than opting for Wilder, Martin advocated for Leicester to pursue a "progressive, forward-thinking coach" who could fit into a long-term project.

Martin told FLW that Danny Rohl was his preferred choice, saying: "I think we’d much prefer a progressive, forward-thinking coach, young up-and-coming - maybe like a Danny Rohl who fits a long-term project - something we can get behind, build behind.

"I don’t think Chris Wilder is going to be that.

"I just fear he’s going to put too much faith in players like that (Cannon, Choudhury, and Souttar) rather than some of the quick and exciting talents we’ve got coming through."

As the Foxes near the end of their search for a new manager, the club will need to balance the expectations of supporters who want an exciting appointment with the need to find someone who can provide much-needed stability.