Fans survey: Sheffield United fans give big thumbs-up to Slavisa Jokanovic, and verdict on Chris Wilder's departure

More than eight in 10 Sheffield United supporters said that Slavisa Jokanović was their preferred choice as the new manager of their club, according to The Star’s big Blades fans’ survey.
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After the Blades brought the curtain down on their Premier League adventure last weekend, signing off with victory over Burnley at Bramall Lane, we launched the survey to get United fans’ opinions on a wide range of topics affecting the club.

The survey, launched before Jokanović was unveiled as Chris Wilder’s successor on Thursday afternoon, asked fans which of a list of managers linked with the vacant role they would prefer to take charge.

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And Jokanović took 81.2 per cent of the vote, with Oostende’s Alexander Blessin – understood to be the previous favourite of the United hierarchy, before it became clear that post-Brexit red tape would make any move difficult if not impossible – the preferred choice of 12.6 per cent of respondents.

The German, formerly a youth coach at RB Leipzig, was named coach of the year in Belgium after transforming Oostende from relegation candidates to European contenders.

United made their move for Jokanović, the former Fulham and Watford boss, after what they described as a “rigorous” selection process. His name did not feature on the initial five-man shortlist drawn up to replace Wilder, before United performed a boardroom U-turn following the 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace at Bramall Lane.

As part of the survey United fans were also asked their opinion on Wilder’s departure, which was confirmed in March after his relationship with members of the Bramall Lane board deteriorated beyond repair.

Slavisa Jokanovic is the new Sheffield United managerSlavisa Jokanovic is the new Sheffield United manager
Slavisa Jokanovic is the new Sheffield United manager
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Almost two-thirds of respondents believe that Wilder should still be in charge, 65.1 per cent, while 26.6 per cent said that it was the right decision. A further 8.3 per cent of supporters believed the decision for him to leave should have happened in the summer, rather than during the season.

The boyhood Blade led United to two promotions in three years during his time at the helm, while Jokanović also has a proven track record at this level after leading both Fulham and Watford into the top flight during his previous spells in English football.

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