Sheffield United’s owners made one phone call - it changed everything for Chris Wilder | OneFootball

Chris Wilder returned to Sheffield United as manager in September after being dismissed in May

Sheffield United made the decision to bring Chris Wilder back as manager in September after a disastrous start to the Championship season.

The Blades missed out on promotion to the Premier League in the previous campaign after losing 2-1 to Sunderland in the play-off final.

Wilder oversaw a third place finish in the table, but the team’s failure to return to the top flight led to his departure at the end of the term.

Ruben Selles was appointed as his successor, but the Spaniard lasted just a couple of months in charge before being dismissed, losing every game with the Blades.

The Yorkshire outfit’s new owners COH Sports made the decision to bring back the 58-year-old, who has overseen a turnaround in fortunes for Sheffield United.

The club’s sights are set on earning a play-off place again this season, but they will need a strong last couple of months in order to bridge the gap to the top six.

Steven Rosen opens up on Chris Wilder return decision

Steven Rosen has opened up on the decision to bring Wilder back to Sheffield United after the start of the season, admitting a deal was in place prior to Selles’ sacking.

The Blades’ co-owner has claimed that a meeting in the USA with the 58-year-old prior to the side’s 5-0 loss to Ipswich Town led to him realising that he is the best man to bring the club forward longer-term, and that he was willing to go back on his decision from the summer.

“I called Chris up early September to ask for his advice,” said Rosen, via When Saturdays Comes on YouTube

“Because, as you all know, it was not going well.

“So, on September 8, Chris flew over to Cleveland, Ohio.

“Sports are important in Cleveland.

“The climate is about the same, and if you believe it, probably worse, and he came over.

“We had a pint. We had a round of golf, a dinner, and I realised he was the right person.

“And thankfully, he agreed to come back.”

Sheffield United were hammered 5-0 by Kieran McKenna’s side on 12 September, and Selles was ultimately dismissed a couple of days later on 14 September.

Wilder returned to Bramall Lane within the next 24 hours, and he has since overseen 14 wins from 30 games in charge.

The experienced coach is in his third stint as manager of the Yorkshire outfit, having initially taken charge in May 2016.

He led the club to promotions from both League One and the Championship in that first spell, as well as an impressive ninth place finish in the Premier League.

Wilder returned for a first time in December 2023, with the team facing relegation from the top flight yet again.

Sheffield United are now 16th in the Championship table, with a 2-1 loss to Coventry City on Wednesday evening leaving them nine points adrift of the play-offs.

Next up for the Blades is a trip to face QPR on 28 February in a 3pm kick-off.

Sheffield United’s new owners have learned from their mistake

It was a very disappointing summer for Sheffield United, with transfer recruitment and the appointment of Selles both setting the team back massively.

Wilder has done a good job in turning things around, further proving that he is the right man to bring the club forward.

It was a mistake to part ways with him after the loss to Sunderland at Wembley Stadium, and the new owners have at least recognised that and rectified it.

Rosen hasn’t been outspoken at all since being a part of last year’s takeover, and more of this kind of transparency will be needed in order to win over the fans.