Wilder in the frame to take over the SOL manager’s chair

UNSETTLED Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder is being touted as a contender for the vacant postion at Sunderland, writes JAMES HUNTER.

Wilder is understood to have spoken to Sunderland about taking over last summer but at that stage – with Ellis Short in control on Wearside and a miniscule transfer budget to work with – he opted to remain at Bramall Lane, having steered the club he supports to promotion from League One as champions in his first season in charge.

Sunderland are in the process of being taken over by a consortium led by Oxfordshire-based businessman Stewart Donald, who knows ex-Oxford United boss Wilder through his association with the club as a U’s fan, former sponsor and current investor.

With a boardroom feud between United’s co-owners HRH Prince Abdullah bin Musa’ad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Kevin McCabe, Wilder (right) publicly called his future with the Blades into question at the weekend.

With Chris Coleman having been sacked by Sunderland in preparation for the takeover announcement, Wilder – whose Blades team challenged for a play-off place for most of this season before falling just short – has since emerged as one of the bookies’ favourites for the role. Wilder said of his position at Sheffield United on Saturday: “If it stays the same I don’t think anybody would be surprised if I did not question where my career is going.” Sunderland announced Coleman had been ‘released from his contract’ – or sacked – on Sunday lunchtime, minutes before revealing owner Ellis Short had agreed to sell the club to a consortium led by Eastleigh FC chairman Donald.

It is understood Coleman’s departure was a condition set by the new owners and the former Wales boss – who was keen to stay on and even offered on Friday to take a pay cut – was said to be ‘devastated’ when given the news.

Another possibility would be a return to Wearside for Mick McCarthy, 12 years after he was sacked by the club.

McCarthy’s fractious spell at Ipswich Town ended earlier this month and he would be receptive to talking to the new owners.