Sheffield United have decided to sack Chris Wilder after missing out on promotion to the Premier League, talkSPORT understands.
The Blades were beaten by Sunderland in the Championship play-off final at Wembley Stadium last month.
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Wilder has been sacked by the Blades after 18 months in chargeCredit: Getty
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United were beaten in stoppage time by Sunderland in the play-off finalCredit: Getty
His side had finished third in the table after their automatic promotion charge faltered in the closing weeks of the season.
United were then denied by a 95th minute winner against the Black Cats in the play-offs.
Despite the nature of their defeat, Wilder was hailed for his class act in the wake of the final.
He spoke to talkSPORT the following morning, admitting he was still ‘suffering’ from the loss as he looked ahead to the summer.
Wilder leaves Bramall Lane after returning for a second spell as manager in December 2023.
His contract had been due to run through until the summer of 2028, with three years remaining.
However, the 57-year-old has been relieved of his duties after failing to secure an immediate Premier League return.
Wilder twice won promotion with the Blades in his first spell in charge, having won League One in 2017 before securing top-flight football two years later.
The first time he was sacked was in March 2021 with the club bottom of the Premier League.
talkSPORT understands that Gary O’Neil and Ruben Selles are among the candidates to replace him.
O’Neil is available after leaving Wolves in December following 16 months in charge.
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Wilder’s exit follows play-off final heartbreak against Sunderland last monthCredit: Getty
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O’Neil is amongst the candidates to take over at Bramall LaneCredit: Getty
Meanwhile, Selles was sacked by Hull following the end of the season.
The Spaniard had secured the Tigers’ Championship safety on the final day with a draw at Portsmouth.
After leaving United four years ago, Wilder went on to manage Middlesbrough and Watford in the Championship.
However, he returned to his former club, where he also spent time as a player, midway through the 2023/24 season.
Having replaced Paul Heckingbottom, he was unable to avoid relegation from the top-flight.
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The Blades ended the campaign bottom of the table and 16 points from safety.
Across his two stints in the the dugout, Wilder won 140 of his 305 matches with the club.