BBC Radio Sheffield’s Andy Giddings
Wilder’s second stint was initially a salvage job after a disastrous summer of recruitment hindered predecessor Paul Heckingbottom.
Ultimately it didn’t work, but the seeds of change were sown.
Wilder – known as being a skilled planner – set about changing the plan, and despite a slow, nervy start to the transfer window due the protracted takeover of the club, put together the makings of a good squad which amassed 90 points (92 without the deduction) that remarkably wasn’t enough for automatic promotion, and ended with a defeat in the Championship play-off final.
Following that final against Sunderland three weeks ago, it’s believed a split board decided to discuss a ‘change in direction’ last week which has ultimately led to the pending departure of one of United’s most successful managers.
The delay in holding these talks over his future and the time it’s taken to resolve the situation shows a lack of respect to Wilder, in my opinion, a lack of clarity at the top of the club, and a naivety in offering him a new three-year deal in January, when it was known significant changes to the club’s methods of recruitment were coming.