“They Have to Take Responsibility” – Wilder’s First Press Conference Back at Sheffield United As He Looks to Shake Things Up at the Club | OneFootball

Sheffield United welcome Charlton Athletic to Bramall Lane on Saturday afternoon in what promises to be a landmark occasion as it will be Chris Wilder’s first game back in charge in his third spell at the club.

The 57-year-old was reappointed this week, less than 100 days after being sacked by COH Sports back in June, and is now tasked with reviving a Blades side stranded at the foot of the Championship without a single point to their name.

It has been a poor few months at United. The brief tenure of Ruben Selles left the squad looking short of confidence and the club’s six defeats from six games have created a daunting hole to climb out of. Wilder, however, has experience of dragging his beloved Blades out of terrible conditions and getting them to thrive.

Chris Wilder Speaks to Media as He Kicks Off His Third Stint as Sheffield United Manager

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – MAY 3: Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder applauds the fans after the Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield United FC and Blackburn Rovers FC at Bramall Lane on May 3, 2025 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Ed Sykes/Getty Images)

Speaking at his first press conference back as the United gaffer, Wilder admitted he was hurt by the club’s decision to part ways with him in the summer but insisted there were no lingering grudges.

“I was really disappointed with the decision in the summer, of course I was, but I respected it. There was no fall out. A decision was made, their choice to make those decisions and I respected it and accepted it and wished the club all the best. That’s been an ongoing relationship with the ownership group and the investors since the decision was made.”

Wilder has only been back at the training ground for a couple of days and he has wasted little time in reminding the squad that the players should be taking accountability for their poor performances to start off the campaign.

“I’ve got to say, and I had a frank discussion with the group straight away, they have to take responsibility and ownership of the position they’re in. They can’t just pile it on certain aspects of what’s happened before and they recognise that.”

Wilder has instantly emphasised the importance of leadership and man-management, something that appeared to have been lacking during Selles’ tenure at Bramall Lane.

“Sometimes I think it’s a bit disrespectful when people think you’re not up to scratch from a tactical approach; three or four years ago we were producing stuff that everyone was taking notice of. To get 92 points last year we’ve got to be pretty much on point on a lot of things. But we talk about leadership skills and management of players, they’re human beings and they have to be managed daily and game to game through the highs and lows.”

One of Wilder’s first big calls will be how to use Gustavo Hamer, who started on the bench in last week’s defeat to Ipswich.

“There’s a good chance he plays Saturday,” he said tongue in cheek. “He’s a player I love – we need him at the top of the pitch. We need him as a number ten or off a side. He’s arguably the best player in the division, and I’m super confident we can get the best out of him.”

Wilder has also confirmed that trusted coaches Alan Knill and Matt Prestridge will return alongside him, with further additions to follow.

“We’re looking to freshen up the backroom staff as well. Micky Collins [United’s former under-21’s manager], who I’ve got an enormous amount of respect for, will be promoted back into the first team group and will take on a more prominent part. He’s a very good young up and coming coach and there is a pathway for the coaches in the academy.”

Saturday’s Game Against Charlton Athletic Provides A Chance to Reset

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – AUGUST 09: Ruben Selles, Manager of Sheffield United, talks to the team following defeat during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield United and Bristol City at Bramall Lane on August 09, 2025 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Ed Sykes/Getty Images)

Saturday’s clash with Charlton Athletic provides everyone at the club to wipe the slate clean and effectively pick up from where Wilder and his coaching staff left off last season.

Nathan Jones’ Charlton side opened the season earning four points from two games, but since then they’ve picked up one point and come to Bramall Lane off the back of two disappointing London derbies.

Against Queens Park Rangers, Charlton were heading for a share of the spoils until a collapse in the final 10 minutes surrendered all three points for QPR. Last weekend at The Valley, they were leading Millwall up until the 88th minute when Raees Bangura-Williams netted his first goal of the season.

In what is set to be an electric atmosphere at Bramall Lane with the return of Wilder, perhaps the Blades could use the extra energy in the stands to exploit Charlton’s evidently fragile back line, particularly in the final ten minutes of matches.