Stoke City became the sixth Championship club of the campaign to part ways with their gaffer after the club sent Gary Rowett packing on Tuesday following a thoroughly underwhelming start to the season.
David Moyes was instantly propelled to the summit of the next Stoke manager market, only to be swiftly replaced by Luton boss Nathan Jones who still leads the way in the betting.
The likes of Sam Allardyce, Slavisa Jokanovic, Carlos Carvalhal, and Steve Bould have also been linked with the new vacancy, although one manager has caught the eye in particular.
Step forward Chris Wilder, manager of fellow second-tier side Sheffield United who, unlike Stoke, are challenging for promotion up to the Premier League.
Wilder has been in charge of the Yorkshire outfit since the summer of 2016. Heed his troops up to the Championship at the first time of asking, after storming to the League One title, then in the club’s first season back in the division they finished in a respectable 10th spot, six points off the top-six.
Given that the Blades are currently 3rd in the table, two points of the automatic promotion places, a sudden switch to Stoke (14th) would send shockwaves through the managerial arena.
It’s incredibly difficult to envision Wilder making the move, especially considering he’s living the dream at his boyhood club. However, the attraction from a Potters perspective is obvious given how highly rated the 51-year-old is.
But the Daily Mail reports that Wilder is on Stoke’s shortlist, and he can currently be backed as the 6/1 second favourite with bookmaker Paddy Power, something that Blades fans have not taken kindly too, unsurprisingly.
Stoke interested in wilder NOT wilder interested in stoke! (@robandyb)
No chance he is going this season. New signings made and team hitting amazing form at just right time. Touching distance of autos with top 2 to play again. Already 8 points off 7th as well. (@averageguy6)
Wilder interested, according to the 'sources/sauces' of some Stoke fan on here (@tonyarrowsmith)
Why would Wilder take the Stoke job? Makes no sense that. Much more chance of moyes taking it than wilder. (@Norvan_Gunner)
Wilder to Stoke (shocked emojis) (@ScottOxleyS6)
Stoke appear in a mess so I don’t think it’s a great proposition for anyone. Too many individuals on big money. I think it would take a remarkable offer for Wilder to consider leaving United at this stage. I imagine the future will depend on his and the club’s ambitions (@adam3oxley)
