According to reports, Newcastle are lining up a move for Chris Wilder to be their next manager.
Duncan Castles of the The Transfer Window podcast has claimed that the former Sheffield United boss could be in line for the job at St. James’ Park.
“I think its right to say that it fits a pattern of appointments for Mike Ashley
“He wouldn’t be that expensive and he knows how to handle a club in the Championship, should Newcastle go down, which might already be in Mike Ashley’s thoughts, to have someone ready to get them promoted again.”
Wilder, 53, finds himself unemployed following his controversial departure from his boyhood club Sheffield United.
Despite having endured a torrid season, the majority of the football world were shocked to see Wilder relieved of his duties following the excellent job he did at Bramall Lane.
Wilder has an impressive CV and has previously managed Alfreton Town, Halifax Town, Oxford United, Northampton Town and Sheffield United.
His success in taking the Blades from League One to a ninth place finish in the Premier League is well documented but Wilder also enjoyed great success with Northampton.
He took the job in January 2014 with the Cobblers in serious danger of dropping out of the football league, but within a few seasons Wilder was able to guide them away from the relegation zone and to the League Two title before taking the Sheffield United job.
There are probably very few Newcastle fans that wouldn’t see Wilder has a huge upgrade on the under pressure Steve Bruce and his recent achievements eclipse Bruce’s by a country mile.
Wilder coming in would be a breath of fresh air and it could provide that much needed bit of confidence that could save the Magpies from a third relegation in the Mike Ashley era.
Whilst it would be fantastic appointment for Newcastle United, would it be such a great move for Chris Wilder?
The 53-year old is a man of integrity and reportedly left Sheffield United over disputes on how much control he had. If Wilder want some sort of control over transfers and other areas, Newcastle probably isn’t the club for him.
To put it simply, he is far too good to lower himself to work with the snakes that currently hold the highest positions within the club.