Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Premier League midfielder Carlton Palmer revealed Chris Wilder had a long-term plan, which took relegation into consideration, for Sheffield United prior to his exit.
Wilder’s departure from Bramall Lane after a successful five years at the club was confirmed last week, with the Blades currently sitting bottom of the Premier League.
Disagreements with the board are said to be one reason behind the mutual decision for the 53-year-old to leave in a development that has left a sour taste in the mouth of Palmer.
Palmer, who enjoyed a bright career at Sheffield United’s rivals Sheffield Wednesday, is sad to see Wilder go and revealed to FFC that the former Blades defender had a plan to have the Yorkshire club flying again.
“I think it just got to a breaking point with Chris with the board, that they were trying to dictate,” Palmer said.
“It’s strange because it was only at Christmas they gave him a new four-year contract. So, yeah, it’s sad to see Chris go from Sheffield United. I know that Chris had a plan.
“When I spoke to him in pre-season, he already had a plan in place with the players that he brought in, the young players, that if they went down, they would do exactly what Norwich are doing this season and bounce back because they’re not in a position where they’ve got to sell players. So it’s sad to see, it’s sad for Chris because I know how much he loves the club.”
Paul Heckingbottom has since taken over in the Bramall Lane dugout following Wilder’s exit, getting off to a very disappointing start in charge.
Under the former Leeds United and Barnsley manager, Sheffield United were beaten heavily by a Leicester City side who are looking to clinch Champions League qualification. A hat-trick from Kelechi Iheanacho, own goal by Ethan Ampadu and 64th-minute Ayoze Perez strike condemned the Blades to a 5-0 defeat at the King Power.