Bristol City’s Championship rivals Sheffield United have hired a familiar face having parted company with Ruben SellesChris Wilder and Sheffield United beat Bristol City in the play-offs last season(Image: EFL)

Bristol City’s Championship rivals Sheffield United have re-appointed Chris Wilder as their manager just 89 days after he initially departed Bramall Lane, having parted company with Ruben Selles on Sunday.

The Blades confirmed in the wake of their heavy 5-0 defeat to Ipswich Town that Selles had been relieved of his duties following a disappointing start to the season. United currently sit bottom of the Championship without a point to their name, having lost all five of their opening league games under the management of the former Hull City boss.

Selles had only been named Blades manager in June after United reached a mutual agreement with Wilder, which saw the pair part ways after last term’s play-off final defeat. The Steel City side were beaten in the Wembley final by Sunderland having got the better of City in the two-legged semi-final.

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The decision was made with the intention of bringing a different style of play to Bramall Lane; however, Wilder has now been reinstated with the goal of turning the Blades’ campaign around and breathing new life into their promotion hopes.

In a statement shared to their website, United’s board of directors said: “Following a difficult start to the season, the board felt it necessary to make a change in order to stabilise performances and strengthen our push for promotion.

“While the adoption of a different style of play was pursued with ambition, results have clearly not met expectations. Chris Wilder returns with proven leadership and an unparalleled understanding of Sheffield United. We are confident he is the right person to restore momentum, unite the squad and supporters, and deliver the results necessary to achieve our objectives this season.

“We would like to thank Ruben Selles for his hard work and professionalism during his time at the club. Responsibility for recent results lies with us as owners, and we remain fully committed to supporting the team and pursuing promotion.”

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City were Selles’ first competitive opponents as United boss when they travelled to Bramall Lane on the opening day of the Championship season.

Despite being viewed by most as underdogs in that game, Gerhard Struber’s side managed to run out 4-1 winners thanks to a Scott Twine brace, as well as goals from Ross McCrorie and Anis Mehmeti.

United won’t travel to BS3 for the return fixture until Easter Monday – April 6. Wilder’s first game back in charge of the Blades will see him return to the Bramall Lane dugout when Charlton Athletic travel to the Steel City on Saturday afternoon, before Sheffield United travel to the Kassam Stadium to face Oxford United – the Robins’ next opponents – next weekend.

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