Chris Wilder answers Sheffield United ownership question after sensational Sheffield Wednesday “merger” talk sends shockwaves through Steel City
Chris Wilder answers Sheffield United ownership question after sensational Sheffield Wednesday “merger” talk sends shockwaves through Steel City
Chris Wilder is placing full concentration on matters under his control at Sheffield United, after being quizzed on sensational reports that sections of the Blades’ ownership group made an enquiry over buying their city rivals Wednesday. The story emerged in the wake of Sunday’s derby-day rout at Hillsborough.
First reported by the Telegraph, the news has sent shockwaves through the United fanbase and prompted a statement from Steve Rosen and Helmy Eltoukhy, the faces of the COH Sports group which owns the Blades.
In it, the pair reaffirmed their commitment to the Blades but, crucially in the eyes of many, there was no denial about the dalliance with the Blades’ biggest rivals as they look to exit administration.
There have even been unconfirmed reports that the interest was with a view to a potential merger between the two city clubs, which we understand would be a non-starter with the EFL and the new independent regulator set up by the government to oversee English football.
Chris Wilder answers Sheffield United ownership question after sensational Sheffield Wednesday “merger” talk sends shockwaves through Steel City
One of the regulator’s key tasks is preserving the heritage and identity of football clubs and the very idea of cross-city interest has raised further question marks over the Americans’ level of understanding and appreciation of United’s.
Speaking after last night’s 3-0 win over Portsmouth at Bramall Lane, which saw United climb out of the bottom three amid hopes of a season resurgence following a horror start, boss Wilder said: “My job is hard enough, in terms of where we were at and where we're trying to get to.
“Everything will be dealt with by Steve Bettis [United’s chief executive] and the owners. But as far as I'm concerned, absolutely full, one hundred per cent concentration and commitment to looking after the players and getting the team hopefully up the table, and into a position where we want to be and should be.
“The owners put the statement out and I'm 100 per cent fully dedicated, as committed as ever and more driven than I've ever been to improve performances and improve results. It's a big few weeks coming up for us.
“There’s a big game on Saturday [away at Leicester City], a big January transfer window coming up. I think we all understand that in terms of moving players on that I don't think will take us forward, and bringing players in that will hopefully take us forward.”
Asked later on if he had sought clarification from United’s owners about the situation, Wilder said: “I've just talked about what I've said. It's up for me to just work on the team and look after them.”