Former Celtic striker Tony Cascarino becomes latest to back former Blades boss Chris Wilder

By Euan Davidson

March 13, 2021

Former Celtic striker Tony Cascarino claims Chris Wilder is the outstanding candidate for the manager’s job.

Cascarino, who scored 4 goals for Celtic in 1991-92 season, spoke to TalkSport yesterday morning. On air, he made the case for the recently unemployed Blades boss.

Wilder left Sheffield United marooned to the floor of the Premier League [BBC]. Despite the Blades’ struggles this season, Wilder’s reputation is still sky-high. Having taken Sheffield United from League One to Premier League safety last season, “second-season syndrome” kicked in for the likeable English boss.

Cascarino said [TalkSport, 12/03, 11:00am]:

“Celtic is a typical club that Wilder could regenerate. That atmosphere; he builds football clubs and that’s what he’s done over the years.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if a Premier League club came in for him.”

Tony Cascarino has had his say on the Celtic manager situation / (Photo by Shaun Botterill/ALLSPORT

Celtic and Chris Wilder? It’s got Cascarino’s backing

Tactically, Chris Wilder is an interesting option. His use of “overlapping centre backs” [The Mastermind Site] put him in the same breath as Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini.

For the football hipsters among you, that’s a tantalising bit of trivia.

Usually playing a back 3, Sheffield United impressed many last season. Wilder’s playing style was an unusual fit in the Premier League. It worked, with the Blades reaching 9th in the table.

Celtic fans are a little uncertain of the 53-year-old, however. His record in management, in terms of tactics and results, is inarguably impressive. Nevertheless, his history in the transfer market leaves much to be desired.

Famously, he spent £20m on striker Oli McBurnie [BBC]. With 1 goal in 21 league matches this season, he’s hardly proven worthy of such a fee [Transfermarkt].

Also, it’s uncertain how much stock Celtic supporters put in Tony Cascarino’s opinions. The former Republic of Ireland international was hardly a roaring success at Parkhead.

The Celtic Wiki describes him as “among the worst pound for pound signings in Celtic’s history”.

That doesn’t make his opinion redundant, but don’t expect Bhoys fans to clamour for his next take.

READ MORE: Former academy player scoring screamers abroad.