Chris Wilder is expected to replace Sam Allardyce at West Bromwich Albion with the former Sheffield United manager believing his vision aligns with that of the Baggies, as reported by the Mirror.
When you consider that the no-nonsense Wilder was the toast of British football just 12 months ago, earning the admiration of Pep Guardiola as Sheffield United flirted with the European places while hammering Chelsea and Tottenham, the Steel City-born tactician should be viewed as something of a coup for a recently-relegated West Brom side.
Wilder has been out of work since mid-March, walking away from his boyhood club as the wheels fell off at Bramall Lane.
The likes of Celtic and Crystal Palace have been linked but, according to the Mirror, the 53-year-old is expected to take Allardyce’s place on the West Brom bench instead.
Is Chris Wilder West Brom-bound?
The report adds that the Baggies have been won over by Wilder’s superb promotion record; which makes sense given that the ultimate ‘yo-yo club’ are looking to bounce back to the promised land at the first time of asking next term.
Wilder famously took an unfashionable Sheffield United side from League One to the top flight within four years, while also guiding Oxford United and Northampton Town to promotion.
Don’t be fooled by the tracksuit either; he may look old-school but Wilder is a thoroughly modern tactician; one who introduced an iconic overlapping centre-half system which left even Marcelo Bielsa baffled.
The Mirror believes that Wilder and West Brom were left satisfied after talks, with both parties believing that the other aligns with their vision and long-term plans.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
