What COH Sports said about Chris Wilder after Sheffield United sacking - it’s seriously classy | OneFootball

Wilder's second stint in charge of the Blades ended on Wednesday evening

Sheffield United are entering a new era under the ownership of COH Sports, and with that, Chris Wilder's second stint in charge of his boyhood club has come to an end.

The Blades were one of the Championship's three dominant sides during the regular campaign, falling just short of Leeds United and Burnley who both hit 100 points whilst also overcoming the adversity of a pre-season two-point deduction.

Wilder then masterminded a record-breaking play-off semi-final success over Bristol City, but once again saw his new-look United side fall short at Wembley as Tommy Watson's 95th-minute strike saw Sunderland dramatically return to the Premier League at their expense.

The Americans inside the Bramall Lane boardroom have made it no secret that a new strategy has already begun and will continue to be implemented in this part of the Steel City, with AI and databases at the forefront of the club's recruitment strategy.

After days of speculation regarding an extremely tough decision, it was confirmed on Wednesday night that Wilder's second tenure in the dugout, which began in December 2023, had reached its conclusion with Ruben Selles, recently dismissed by Hull City, subsequently penning a three-year contract in South Yorkshire.

And, whilst this decision is likely to split opinions among Blades supporters, they will all be in agreement that Steven Rosen and Helmey Eltouky's statement was one of extreme class.

COH Sports' classy message to Chris Wilder following Sheffield United departure

Wilder's connections to United go way, way beyond his two stints in the dugout which initially saw the club transformed from a League One outfit to a top-half finish in the Premier League between 2016 and 2020.

The 57-year-old has fulfilled dreams which not many in the game can say they have done, having played over 100 times for the club he supports across two spells, before doing the same in the dugout over 300 times.

Despite only acquiring the club from Prince Abdullah last December, Wilder's lasting legacy wasn't lost on the new ownership group, who referenced his passion and commitment to the cause at length during a statement regarding the big developments.

"Today is the start of a new chapter for Sheffield United," the statement began.

"After deep reflection and with the utmost respect, we have mutually agreed that Sheffield United and Chris Wilder will part ways. Chris is a true Blade through and through whose passion and leadership helped define a remarkable era.

"His achievements are etched in the fabric of this club: from guiding us to promotion from League One, to an unforgettable ninth-place finish in the Premier League, to steadying us through challenges with resilience and pride.

"This season, he once again reminded us of his calibre by rallying the squad to a strong finish – only for it to end in devastating heartbreak at Wembley. It was a painful conclusion, but also a testament to how far he brought this group. Chris led with heart, with grit, and with a fierce commitment to the values of this city. We will forever be grateful for his contributions and wish him and his family nothing but success in his next chapter."

Chris Wilder's verdict after critical Sheffield United decision made

Whilst Wilder will hope from the perspective of a supporter that Selles is the man to bring top-flight football back to Bramall Lane, it's no surprise that the former Middlesbrough and Watford boss expressed his disappointment to be leaving the club after last season's near miss.

The experienced boss is renowned for his man-management skills and ability to galvanise, which were two key facets of United's successful season on the whole, and he would've no doubt been expected to deliver a similar set of circumstances next term after promotion was taken away from his side's grasp in the most gut-wrenching of fashions.

It remains to be seen what Wilder's next steps in management will be, but he certainly will not be short of offers in the coming months should opportunities arise at Championship level.