Sheffield United are expected to appoint Ruben Selles as Chris Wilder’s successor going into the new Championship season.
The Blades faced play-off sorrow against Sunderland at Wembley Stadium in May, missing out on promotion despite scoring 90 points in the campaign, including a two-point deduction.
So, Wilder performed an excellent job, but it wasn’t enough, as it has been widely speculated that the boyhood fan will be fired and replaced by Selles.
| Ruben Selles’ record in his last two jobs | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Club | Games in charge | Wins | Draws | Losses | Points per game |
| Hull City (12/24 – pres) | 28 | 9 | 7 | 12 | 1.21 |
| Reading (07/23 – 12/24) | 78 | 35 | 14 | 29 | 1.53 |
| Source: Sofascore | |||||
Clearly, the Sheffield United leadership made a risky move, and Selles will be under pressure to hit the ground running as he attempts to win over the fans.
Here are three reasons why the ownership group will be convinced this is the appropriate decision.
He is willing to work under their structure
Let’s start with the obvious. It is well established that Bramall Lane’s transfer policy has altered, with the board preferring an AI data-driven approach to bringing in new recruits.
That may not have been to Wilder’s liking, but that is the direction the club is taking, so the club must hire a manager who is willing to work within that system.
Selles is certainly happy to do so, and it’s worth mentioning that he has worked and thrived in arguably the most tough environment in the EFL over the last four years, at Reading.
That demonstrates that he is a coach that is eager to engage with his players on the practice field, and he will be focused on strengthening the group and ensuring that they grasp his tactics.
He has Championship experience
In addition to his remarkable record at Reading, Selles has previously coached Hull City in the second division, so he is not entering unfamiliar territory.
Many felt the Tigers were unjust in dismissing Selles, considering he joined mid-season when the club was fighting relegation, and his job was to maintain the club in the division.
While it came down to the final day, the Spaniard scored his goal, but it wasn’t enough, and Acun Ilicali opted to replace him.
Nonetheless, Sheffield United now have a manager who has experience in the Championship, and he will believe it is a level at which he deserves to compete.
He has a point to prove
Following that, Selles will believe he has something to prove, which is usually advantageous when working with a manager that is eager to succeed.
This is not another name on the managerial merry-go-round that we frequently encounter. At 42, the former Southampton coach is still in his prime, and he wants to demonstrate why he is so highly regarded.
He labored under severe conditions at Reading before being fired after only a few months at Hull. Selles will now want to settle down, oversee a project, and demonstrate that he can leave his own mark on a club in the long run.
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