Chris Wilder looks set to be sacked by Sheffield United after missing out on promotion to the Premier League. Leeds United ended the season 10 points ahead of the Blades.
For a long time in the 2024/25 season, it was Leeds United and Sheffield United in the running for the two automatic promotion spots. Then with just a few weeks to go, it looked like it’d be Burnley and Sheffield United who finished in the top two.
Leeds United drew 1-1 against Luton Town back in April. It was a third-straight draw for Daniel Farke’s side and one that saw the Whites dramatically drop down into 3rd place of the Championship table, before winning their remaining six games of the season.
A few weeks after that Luton game, Burnley beat Sheffield United to earn promotion and join Leeds United on the Premier League roster for next season. And a month after that, Sheffield United lost the Championship play-off final against Sunderland, losing 2-1 in the final minute of the game.
That game could well prove to be Chris Wilder’s last in charge of the Blades. It’s now being reported that Sheffield United are set to sack Wilder following the club’s misfortune in 2024/25.
Photo by George Wood/Getty ImagesChris Wilder hailed Leeds United and Burnley after ‘insane’ 2024/25
Soon after promotion when there were reports that Farke was set to be axed at Elland Road, Wilder gave his verdict on Farke’s performance at Leeds United and defended the Whites boss. But the shoe is on the other foot now and Wilder looks set to lose his job, and there might never have been anything he could’ve done about it.
Wilder himself said that Leeds United and Burnley were just too good. Speaking after missing out on automatic promotion, Wilder hailed Leeds United and Burnley’s 2024/25 seasons, saying: “There’s been challenging things right the way through and then the bit at the end. We’re incredibly disappointed.
“But as I’ve said, and I’ve gone on record many times, for two teams to get 100 points is just an insane season. For us to get 90 points and not go up? And then the narrative of the team in third place and how they’re going to be and what’s that reaction going to be like?”
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A month ago, it was Farke who was set to be sacked. He’s now staying and Leeds United have a £150million transfer kitty ready for Farke to spend this summer. Now, it’s Wilder who’s set to be sacked. But the crazy thing is that he really doesn’t have a leg to stand on.
Yes, Sheffield United started the season with a points deduction. But promotion was in their hands. Wilder simply blew it and now he’s set to pay the price with his job. It’s all a stark reminder of just how cut-throat football is, especially at the top of what is a crazy Championship league.
But few would be surprised to see Farke lose his job early doors next season. There were a few Leeds United fans who wanted Farke to be sacked after the end of the season and a poor summer window, and a poor start to the next season could easily see him axed.
What next for Wilder and Sheffield United though remains a mystery.