Sheffield United: Chris Wilder turned down approach from Blackburn Rovers to become Blades boss

Chris Wilder rejected an approach from Blackburn Rovers in order to become Sheffield United's new manager.
Chris Wilder is Sheffield United's new managerChris Wilder is Sheffield United's new manager
Chris Wilder is Sheffield United's new manager

The Star understands that Wilder, who yesterday agreed to take charge at Bramall Lane after meeting co-owner Kevin McCabe, featured on the Championship club’s wanted-list following Paul Lambert’s departure earlier this month.

But Wilder, whose assistant Alan Knill will join him in South Yorkshire, politely declined their offer because his heart was set on United instead.

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The 48-year-old’s appointment is scheduled to be officially unveiled at a media conference this morning. Sources close to the negotiation process, which began when McCabe and Prince Abdullah bin Mosaad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud triggered a release clause in his Northampton Town contract, reported Wilder was the board’s “unanimous” choice.

Wilder was the only candidate interviewed for a vacancy created when Nigel Adkins parted company with United yesterday. The former Scunthorpe, Southampton and Reading chief described himself as being “saddened” by the decision to end his tenure after only 11 months.

A statement issued by United, however, insisted it was the “correct time to make a change” having finished only 11th in League One last term. “We sincerely wish Nigel and his backroom staff, Andy Crosby and Dean Wilkins all the best for the future,” it continued.

Wilder, previously of Alfreton Town, Halifax and Oxford, led Northampton to the League Two title despite being hampered by a series of off-the-pitch issues behind the scenes at Sixfields.