What Chris Wilder's latest media conference revealed about his position at Sheffield United

When Chris Wilder stepped in front of the cameras broadcasting his latest pre-match media conference, he knew two questions would keep being posed by journalists invited on to the call. Is his position under threat as Sheffield United manager? And, as rumours continue to swirl inside internet chat rooms, had he offered his resignation earlier this week only to be coaxed back from the precipice by a member of his own family or the Premier League club’s board?

“I don’t do social media, as you all understand,” Wilder replied, when asked if there was any veracity to claims he is ready to step away. “It’s been another tough week in what has been a very tough season. There’s always rumours and speculation in football, people know that. All I’m bothered about is preparing for the next game.”

It wasn’t what Wilder did say as he previewed tomorrow’s FA Cup tie against Bristol Rovers which, after a run of 15 defeats and three draws in all competitions, United hope will deliver their first win of the campaign. Rather it was what he didn’t, refusing to offer an unequivocal guarantee that he is set to remain in a job he has performed with distinction since taking charge four-and-a-half years ago, that provided arguably the most telling insight into where the former Oxford and Northampton’s chief’s mind is right now.

Clearly, although protocol and the desire to achieve a positive result at the Memorial Stadium prevents either party from saying so, there are issues behind the scenes. They stem, given Wilder’s previous comments on the subject, from what he perceives as a lack of investment - the kind required to build on last term’s ninth placed finish - in a first team squad which still contains four veterans of 2017’s League One title winning campaign.

Oli McBurnie and Sander Berge both arrived for what were record fees until Rhian Brewster’s move from Liverpool in October. But, such has been the speed of their progress following Wilder’s appointment, United have found themselves in a position where they are struggling to match the type of wages offered by other top-flight clubs. In one sense, they are victims of their own success. But the sight of one-time targets such as Matty Cash, Ollie Watkins and Eberechi Eze excelling elsewhere has been a source of huge frustration as United slip deeper into trouble. United’s hierarchy will argue they have provided all the funding they can. Others believe it has not been enough to remain truly competitive. It must be hoped a victory over Rovers, and then another when Newcastle visit United on Tuesday, can help repair what appears to be the strained relationship between United’s most influential powerbrokers.

Staring straight into the lens, occasionally biting on the collar of his branded windcheater, Wilder’s body language revealed someone both ill at ease with the situation they have found themselves in and desperate to say something they knew they couldn’t. Wilder, a lifelong United supporter who made more than 120 appearances for them as a player, reiterated his pride at working for “our wonderful club”. But, asked if he had spoken with Bramall Lane’s hierarchy following last weekend’s loss to Crystal Palace - which saw his side slip 12 points adrift of safety - Wilder deftly side-stepped what he knew was the main thrust of the query. Intriguingly, tellingly perhaps, he also began inserting the phrase “head coach” into the conversation.

“I’m always speaking to the football club about the short, medium and long term outcome and vision for the club,” he said. “Any manager or head coach has that relationship with the chief executive and the chief executive has that relationship with the board. I put my views forward, as honestly as always do, I’ll always give my opinion which I think is valid.”

“We’ve always got our opinions about how we want to see a football club move and what direction we want it to move in. I’m an employee of the football club and I’ll always do my best to prepare the team. I’ll always give my views on every part. I’m hands-on and I’m interested in everything. I’ll do that and respect who I'm working with and who I’m employed by.”

Although results are undoubtedly weighing heavily on Wilder, particularly after twice leading United to promotion, other matters have also contributed towards his downbeat mood. Still waiting for the new arrivals he had described as being absolutely “necessary” during this month’s transfer window, pictures of Lys Mousset’s sports car being involved in a crash have provided another unwanted distraction. It remains unclear if the centre-forward will be considered for selection against Rovers, who are 18th in the League One table.

“Internally, it’s in the hands of Lys’ solicitor and the club’s solicitor regarding the incident,” Wilder confirmed. “We’ve talked to Lys about his discipline and commitment to the football club. It’s left with the legals. If there’s any action taken by the police, it will be dealt with with Lys, his agent and the football club. It’s disappointing, of course. He will be dealt with fairly, He’s trained this week and it is his car, yes.”

Towards the end of last year, United’s owner HRH Prince Abdullah bin Musa’ad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud stated he had no intention of sacking Wilder, even going so far as admitting he would look to hire the manager responsible for leading the club he now controls if he was available.

“I appreciate that support, when it was given, and how I operate is then on to the next game,” Wilder said. “Ask any manager, or head coach, that’s how it works and you move on. We need results, because it hasn’t been good enough. It’s been tough and a struggle. The focus is on the next game.”

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