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Celtic "candidate" Chris Wilder tipped to reject Bhoys for Premier League job
Celtic managerial “candidate” Chris Wilder has been tipped to reject a chance to manage the Bhoys.
Wilder had been linked with a move to Celtic, following Neil Lennon’s departure.
Noted football reporter Alan Biggs shared his view that Newcastle United or West Brom hold more lustre for Wilder. The former Sheffield United man dragged the Blades from League One to Premier League safety last season. His tactical innovations, including overlapping centre-backs, wowed English football fans.
The wheels, however, came off this season. Wilder left Sheffield United 12 points from PL safety [Sky Sports] earlier this month.
Biggs, a journalist for Sky, the Sheffield Star and other publications told TalkSport:
“He’s been linked with Celtic but I can’t see that one. What I do see is either West Brom or Newcastle for sure.
“I do know that in 2019 following Sheffield United’s promotion, Newcastle investigated the possibility of recruiting him but he stayed loyal and wanted to manage his team in the top-flight.
“I think it would appeal to him but I’m not speaking with any sort of knowledge of having discussed it with him but I think it would.
“Equally with West Brom, even in the Championship, the potential to take them where he wants to. I think either of those two is absolutely logical.
“From what I do understand, he wants to take a short break, he needs a short break.
“He’s an exceptional football manager who has worked 20 years without a break and has not actually been sacked.”
Chris Wilder, former Sheffield United boss / (Photo by OLI SCARFF/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Chris Wilder would be a divisive Celtic appointment, so perhaps staying in England suits all parties
It’d be fair to say that when Wilder to Celtic talk emerged, not everyone was sold.
While his record in management speaks for itself, it’s his recruitment that caused concern. For countless Bhoys supporters, signing misfiring striker Oli McBurnie for £20m seemed like a giant red flag [BBC].
Newcastle United’s situation probably holds more appeal for Chris Wilder. The Magpies are struggling under likeable boss Steve Bruce. 3 losses and no wins in 6 matches will make any manager’s job status precarious [WhoScored?].
There are parallels with Sheffield United, however. Both clubs are run by controversial owners with deep pockets. Certainly, Wilder would have a budget to work with, but it’s never clear how much Mike Ashley is willing to spend. One would’ve thought if Newcastle retained Premier League status, a new manager would be allowed to ring in the changes.
Meanwhile, West Brom seem destined for relegation. A promotion expert, Wilder would have one very clear job to do: turn the perennial yo-yo club into Premier League regulars. That seems like a task that it’s in the boss’ wheelhouse.
In any event, it doesn’t seem likely that Wilder will be the next Celtic manager. Alan Biggs, an established English football reporter, sounds pretty certain of that.
READ MORE: Is speculation getting to a Celtic star?
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