WALK ON THE WILDER SIDE
‘I want to get Boro back up to Prem’ v
BY IAN MURTAGH
CHRIS WILDER wants to write a glorious new chapter in Middlesbrough’s history which rivals his managerial exploits at Sheffield United.
The childhood Blades fan etched his name in that club’s folklore by leading them into the Premier League.
But he believes that under Boro owner Steve Gibson, he has the chance to eclipse his achievements at Bramall Lane.
He takes charge for the first time against Millwall at the Riverside today with the side he inherited from Neil Warnock stuck in mid-table.
And while he is not making bold predictions about promotion this season, Wilder is convinced the long-term future is bright for him and the club.
“This is not just another club,” said Wilder (above). “Getting a job like this was the reason I waited and waited for the right one to come along.
“Perhaps in the past, the club has felt a bit too comfortable so my task is to drive it forward, take everyone along with me and move out of that comfort zone. I know where I want to work – that’s the Premier League – and that’s where the club wants to be too.”
Wilder insists he feels just as connected with Boro as he did at hometown club Sheffield United.
He said: “I don’t need to talk about my love for that club. That journey has come to an end, even though it wasn’t in the way I’d have wanted.
“I had incredible experiences there and created special memories which will last me a lifetime.
“But I want to build new ones at Middlesbrough. And I believe I can because I’m going to be given the opportunity, the tools and the time do that.
“I’ve already bought into the club and the area and feel connected.” Gibson wants Boro to return to the days when a manager stayed for several years and Wilder plans to stick around.
He said: “Hopefully, my best days are still to come.
“My ambition and my knowledge are there and I’m a better manager from all the experiences I’ve had, both good and bad.
“I’m bang up for this challenge and as fired up as I’ve ever been.”
Wilder, who has signed free agent Neil Taylor, who left Aston Villa in the summer, was renowned for playing with overlapping centre-halves when he was with the Blades.
He will stick with a three-man defence but insists Boro’s style will be no carbon copy.
“Yes, I like three centre-halves but there are different permutations with that system,” said Wilder. “There are different ways to win a game and I’m tactically flexible.
“But I think the players will enjoy playing my way and the fans will be excited.”