Sheffield United: McCabe is cock-a-hoop to get Chris

Sheffield United's co-owner Kevin McCabe believes the club have completed a major coup by appointing Chris Wilder as manager.
Chris Wilder, the new manager of Sheffield United, Kevin McCabe, co-owner, and Alan Knill, assistant manager, during today's Press conference at Bramall Lane 
©2016 Sport Image all rights reservedChris Wilder, the new manager of Sheffield United, Kevin McCabe, co-owner, and Alan Knill, assistant manager, during today's Press conference at Bramall Lane 
©2016 Sport Image all rights reserved
Chris Wilder, the new manager of Sheffield United, Kevin McCabe, co-owner, and Alan Knill, assistant manager, during today's Press conference at Bramall Lane ©2016 Sport Image all rights reserved

McCabe, speaking during the former Northampton Town chief’s official unveiling earlier today, revealed Bramall Lane’s hierarchy had been tracking Wilder’s progress for “a considerable period of time” before making their move after parting company with Nigel Adkins.

Wilder, who led Northampton to the League Two title last season, also enjoyed considerable success with Oxford United ahead of his move to Sixfields and was courted by a number of clubs, including Blackburn Rovers and Charlton Athletic, until United swooped.

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“It’s a top achievement to get Chris, he has been on our list for some years,” McCabe said. “The timing has been perfect, Chris showing his true colours as a top class manager, not just with Northampton Town but Oxford United as well. Things have come together, a coincidence of timing.

“We all accept we have had a very disappointing and frustrating season, in spite of the best efforts of all.

“There’s no question we have employed a person here who is fit to take us up through more than one division, he is well qualified, anyone who looks at his CV will recognise that.”

McCabe informed Adkins he was being relieved of his duties earlier this week after United recorded their lowest league position for over three decades last term. But he insisted the decision to part company with Adkins and replace him with Wilder, a former United player, had been unanimously endorsed by the board. Including fellow co-owner HRH Prince Abdullah Bin Mosaad Abdulaziz Al Saud.

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“It’s been a busy few days, making decisions for changes,” McCabe added. “Chris Wilder has been a young man on my list for some years, one that I obviously saw play in Dave Bassett’s era. A guy with the background and benefit of understanding the ethos of our club, which will play a big part in taking us forward in the years ahead.

“The ambitions for Sheffield United remain to get back to the top of the tree, the Premier League, which we very much hope will happen with Chris leading us.”