Sheffield United are still nursing their wounds from their dramatic Championship play-off final loss to Sunderland at Wembley Stadium.
The Blades dominated the encounter for much of the afternoon, with Tyrese Campbell’s clever finish after 25 minutes enough to send United to the Premier League with 15 minutes remaining.
However, an equaliser by Eliezer Mayenda on 76 minutes was followed by a precise low shot from Tommy Watson five minutes into extra time at the end of the game.
In the first half, a contentious offside judgement went against the Blades, as Harrison Burrows’ effort to increase United’s lead was chalked off when VAR judged that Vini Souza obstructed Black Cats keeper Anthony Patterson’s line of sight, preventing him from save.
Wilder said post-match that this setback will take a long time for everyone linked with the club to recover from, as the reality of another season in the second division dawned on them.
“Certainly” – Claim made on Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United future following Sunderland play-off final loss.
We asked our Sheffield United fan commentator, Jimmy (aka Blades Ramble), ‘Do you think Chris Wilder is the appropriate guy to attempt and lead the promotion bid for Sheffield United next season after losing in the play-off final, or is a change needed?’ Jimmy said:
“It’s understandable that Chris Wilder is being questioned about whether he is the right individual to lead us forward.
“People have questioned some of his methods, as well as the team’s mentality; in crucial games this season, when it has really counted, we have regretfully failed to cross the finish line.
“However, this man has guided a reconstruction, or the beginning of a rebuild, into this season, after we lost 20 players during the summer.
We got a two-point deduction, and he brought in seven or eight first-team players; they haven’t all worked out, but the bulk have done exceptionally well.
“The assets and value that he has given to the football club with additions such as Michael Cooper, Callum O’Hare, Harrison Burrows, and Tyrese Campbell.
“The development of players such as Sydie Peck and Femi Seriki.” Ollie Arblaster was in a very difficult situation. Not only that, but we’ve beaten our arch rivals twice this season, giving us bragging rights in the city.
“The ultimate one is that we won 92 points on the pitch.” We concluded with 90 points, but we scored 92 points on the pitch. In any other season, that would result in an automatic promotion.
“If that hadn’t been the case, and two teams hadn’t outscored us by 100 points this season, no one would be talking about Chris Wilder.
“So, certainly for me – and this is just my opinion on the matter – other Blades may disagree, but I certainly think that there’s no better man to lead us into next season, and continue the rebuild that he started so well, than Chris Wilder.”
Chris Wilder has undoubtedly accumulated enough Sheffield United credit to believe his Blades job is secure.
During his first term in charge, Wilder led Sheffield United from League One to ninth position in the Premier League in just four seasons, propelling the club to new heights.
It was just in January that the 57-year-old signed a new long-term contract agreement that will keep him as Blades manager until the summer of 2028.
This was a clear indication of faith and confidence in the club’s future under Wilder’s leadership, and removing him this summer would almost certainly cost the club a large amount of money in compensation.
2024/25 was also a historic season in the Championship, since it marked the first time two clubs scored 100 or more points in a single English league campaign.
In many ways, Sheffield United were unlucky not to win immediate promotion this season, with the greater frustration being their failure to gain a spot in the Premier League via the play-offs given the quality of their team.
However, Wilder is a proven Championship winner, and given his apparent enthusiasm, love, and commitment to the club, many Blades fans will undoubtedly support him to remain in his position for the 2025/26 season.
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