Chris Wilder

Christopher John Wilder (born 23 September 1967) is an English professional football manager who formerly played as a right-back. He was most recently the manager of EFL Championship club Watford.

This article is about the footballer and manager. For the serial killer, see Christopher Wilder.

Chris Wilder
Chris Wilder
Wilder in 2008
Personal information
Full name Christopher John Wilder
Date of birth (1967-09-23) 23 September 1967
Place of birth Stocksbridge, England
Height 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)[1]
Position(s) Right-back[2]
Youth career
1982–1986 Southampton
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1986–1992 Sheffield United 93 (1)
1989 → Walsall (loan) 4 (0)
1990 → Charlton Athletic (loan) 1 (0)
1991 → Charlton Athletic (loan) 2 (0)
1992 → Leyton Orient (loan) 16 (1)
1992–1996 Rotherham United 132 (11)
1996–1997 Notts County 46 (0)
1997–1998 Bradford City 42 (0)
1998–1999 Sheffield United 12 (0)
1998 → Northampton Town (loan) 1 (0)
1999 → Lincoln City (loan) 3 (0)
1999 Brighton & Hove Albion 11 (0)
1999–2001 Halifax Town 51 (1)
Total 414 (14)
Managerial career
2001–2002 Alfreton Town
2002–2008 Halifax Town
2008–2014 Oxford United
2014–2016 Northampton Town
2016–2021 Sheffield United
2021–2022 Middlesbrough
2023 Watford
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Wilder's extensive professional playing career saw spells at Sheffield United (twice), Rotherham United, Notts County, Bradford City, Brighton & Hove Albion and Halifax Town. He also had loan spells at five clubs.

After retiring, he became a manager and was in charge of Alfreton Town, Halifax Town (their last manager before liquidation), Oxford United, Northampton Town, Sheffield United, Middlesbrough and Watford. He won promotion from the Conference Premier with Oxford via the play-offs in 2010, from League Two as champions with Northampton in 2016, from League One with Sheffield United as champions in 2017, and from the Championship with the same club two years later.

Early life

Christopher John Wilder was born on 23 September 1967 in Stocksbridge, West Riding of Yorkshire.[2]

Playing career

Wilder started his football career as a trainee at Southampton and was released without making it into the first team.[3]

He moved on to Sheffield United in August 1986. In December 1987, defender Wilder was sent off for a crude tackle on Millwall's Jimmy Carter in a season which saw the Sheffield club relegated to the third division.[4] The following season Wilder was on the receiving end, being elbowed in the face. Swansea's Bryan Wade received a three match ban for violent conduct as a result.[5] Wilder was a regular in the team that finished second and therefore clinched promotion back to the second division at the first attempt in the 1988–89 season, and was also part of the squad that gained a further promotion the season after, this time back to the first division, after an absence of fourteen years. Wilder was a regular during the following season back in the first division, but thereafter found appearances harder to come by, hence Wilder left for nearby Rotherham United in 1992, staying for a further four years and amassing his largest number of games and goals for one club.[6]

In 1998, Wilder returned to Sheffield United, and a year later he was brought to Brighton & Hove Albion by Micky Adams before joining Halifax Town that same year.[7]

Managerial career

Alfreton Town

Wilder began his career in management at Alfreton Town. He took over at the club in late October 2001 and in the 27 weeks he was in charge won four trophies: the Northern Counties (East) League Premier Division, the League Cup, the President's Cup and the Derbyshire Senior Cup.

Halifax Town

Wilder returned to Halifax Town as manager on 2 July 2002.[8][9] He replaced caretaker manager Neil Redfearn, who had in turn replaced Alan Little (who left on 8 April after falling ill with appendicitis in March). Halifax had been relegated to the Conference at the end of the season.

Wilder was in charge at Halifax for more than 300 games until the club went into liquidation on 30 June 2008, and he decided to join former Halifax defender Alan Knill, as the assistant manager of Bury.[10]

Oxford United

After fewer than six months at Gigg Lane, Wilder was appointed as the manager of Conference National club Oxford United on 21 December 2008[11] (replacing Jim Smith who had been caretaker manager in the wake of Darren Patterson's sacking), where he only just missed out on a play-off place in his first season. Wilder's first full season in charge of Oxford began successfully and by mid-season they were top of the Conference table by five points with a game in hand. However, Oxford were overtaken by Stevenage, who would go on to win the title and take the automatic promotion place, consigning the Us to the playoffs with Luton Town, Rushden & Diamonds and York City. They defeated Rushden & Diamonds to reach the play-off final, and gained promotion to the Football League by beating York City 3–1.[12]

In their first season back in the Football League in four years, Wilder guided Oxford to mid-table safety. The team finished 12th, in the top half of the table, their highest finish in seven years.[13] The next season Oxford finished ninth, after poor form late in the season led to the team dropping out of the play-off position they had occupied for most of the year.[14] Oxford's chairman Kelvin Thomas gave Wilder his backing, meaning he would remain manager for the 2012–13 season.[15] Despite failing to achieve a play-off place again in Oxford's third season back in the League, and intense speculation about his future at the club, Wilder was offered and accepted a further one-year contract for the 2013–14 season.[16]

On 26 January 2014 he resigned as Oxford manager with the intention of joining League Two rivals Northampton Town as their manager.[17]

Northampton Town

On 27 January 2014, Wilder was appointed manager of Northampton Town, signing a three-and-a-half year contract. Wilder successfully battled against relegation to the Conference, after taking over the club in the relegation zone in League 2.[18] He led the side to a mid-table finish in the 2014–15 season, and then to the League Two title the following season with 99 points,[19] despite significant financial difficulties at the club resulting in players and staff not being paid during October and November 2015.[20]

Sheffield United

On 12 May 2016, Wilder joined his boyhood club Sheffield United as their new manager on a three-year contract, following the parting of company with Nigel Adkins.[21][22] In the pre-season, despite little financial backing, he was able to bring some new players in, many of which were free transfers. He then made Sheffield born Billy Sharp club captain. However, Wilder's League One managerial debut got off to a poor start, only gaining a single point from the first four games, which left Sheffield United at the bottom of League One.[23] Despite this, the club pushed on and went on to become League One Champions, securing 100 points in the process, a club record.[24]

His second season was full of highs and few lows. His managerial Championship debut against Brentford ended in a 1–0 win for Sheffield United.[25] Then in September 2017, United beat city rivals Sheffield Wednesday 4–2 at Hillsborough,[26] a record for goals scored by United against Wednesday at Hillsborough. By the end of October, after beating local rivals Leeds United 2–1 at Elland Road, Sheffield United were top of the Championship.[27]

On 28 April 2019, it was confirmed that Wilder had led the Blades to the Premier League following nearest rival Leeds' 1–1 draw at home.[28] This ensured his second promotion in just three years at the club. This achievement earned him the LMA Manager of the Year award.[29]

In July 2019, Wilder signed a new three-year contract with the club.[30] On 10 January 2020, Wilder signed a four-year contract extension with the club.[31] Sheffield United went on to finish ninth in their first season back in the top flight, their best since 1991–92.

On 13 March 2021, Wilder left the club by mutual consent, with the club bottom of the Premier League, with 14 points from 28 games.[32]

Middlesbrough

On 7 November 2021, Wilder was appointed manager of Middlesbrough after the club parted ways with Neil Warnock.[33] After an unbeaten month which saw Boro win four out of their five matches, Wilder was awarded the EFL Championship Manager of the Month award for December 2021 with his wing-back Isaiah Jones winning the Player of the Month award.[34] Wilder was sacked on 3 October 2022 with the club in the bottom three of the Championship. They had won only two of 11 league games played in the 2022–23 season.[35]

Watford

On 7 March 2023, Wilder was appointed manager of Watford on a contract until the end of the season.[36] On 10 May 2023, Wilder was replaced as head coach by Valérien Ismaël, after Wilder's short-term contract came to an end after the final match of the season.[37]

Career statistics
Source:[7]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Other Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Sheffield United 1986–87 Second Division 110300000140
1987–88 Second Division 25000201[lower-alpha 1]0280
1988–89 Third Division 29130501[lower-alpha 2]0381
1989–90 Second Division 8000000080
1990–91 First Division 16010101[lower-alpha 3]0190
1991–92 First Division 4000100050
Total 9317090301121
Walsall (loan) 1989–90 Third Division 4010002[lower-alpha 2]070
Charlton Athletic (loan) 1990–91 Second Division 1000000010
Charlton Athletic (loan) 1991–92 Second Division 2000000020
Leyton Orient (loan) 1991–92 Third Division 16100001[lower-alpha 2]0171
Rotherham United 1992–93 Second Division 32830201[lower-alpha 2]0388
1993–94 Second Division 37211302[lower-alpha 2]0433
1994–95 Second Division 45130203[lower-alpha 2]0531
1995–96 Second Division 18010401[lower-alpha 2]0240
Total 13211811107015812
Notts County 1995–96 Second Division 9000000090
1996–97 Second Division 37040201[lower-alpha 2]0440
Total 460402010530
Bradford City 1996–97 First Division 7000000070
1997–98 First Division 350102000380
Total 420102000450
Sheffield United 1997–98 First Division 8000001[lower-alpha 4]090
1998–99 First Division 4000100050
Total 120001010140
Northampton Town (loan) 1998–99 Second Division 1000000010
Lincoln City (loan) 1998–99 Second Division 3000000030
Brighton & Hove Albion 1999–2000 Third Division 110002000130
Halifax Town 1999–2000 Third Division 31130001[lower-alpha 2]0351
2000–01 Third Division 20010101[lower-alpha 2]0230
Total 511401020581
Career total 4141425128017048415
  1. Appearance in Third Division play-offs
  2. Appearances in Football League Trophy
  3. Appearances in Full Members' Cup
  4. Appearance in First Division play-offs

Managerial statistics
As of 10 May 2023[37][38]
Managerial record by team and tenure
Team From To Record
PWDLWin %
Halifax Town 2 July 2002 30 June 2008 312 120 77 115 038.5
Oxford United 21 December 2008 26 January 2014 269 121 70 78 045.0
Northampton Town 27 January 2014 12 May 2016 126 61 28 37 048.4
Sheffield United 12 May 2016 13 March 2021 227 106 47 74 046.7
Middlesbrough 7 November 2021 3 October 2022 45 18 11 16 040.0
Watford 7 March 2023 10 May 2023 11 3 3 5 027.3
Total 990 429 236 325 043.3

Honours

Player

Individual

Manager

Alfreton Town[40]

Halifax Town

Oxford United

Northampton Town

Sheffield United

Individual

References
  1. "Chris Wilder". 11v11.com. AFS Enterprises. Retrieved 13 March 2021.
  2. "Chris Wilder". Barry Hugman's Footballers. Retrieved 13 March 2021.
  3. Holley, Duncan; Chalk, Gary (2003). In That Number – A post-war chronicle of Southampton FC. Hagiology Publishing. p. 615. ISBN 978-0-9534474-3-5.
  4. Millwall advance their Christmas goal rush, The Times, 29 December 1987
  5. Taylor, Louise. Clubs face fines for sending weakened sides to tournament, The Times, 13 December 1988
  6. "Chris Wilder | Football Stats | No Club | Age 54 | 1985-2001 | Soccer Base".
  7. Chris Wilder at the English National Football Archive (subscription required)
  8. "Wilder quits for Halifax". Derbyshire Times. 4 July 2002. Retrieved 22 January 2016.
  9. "Alfreton Town Football Club History". Alfreton Town F.C. Archived from the original on 11 June 2010. Retrieved 9 June 2010.
  10. "Wilder leaves Halifax for Shakers". BBC Sport. 30 June 2008. Retrieved 1 July 2008.
  11. "Wilder is new Oxford United boss". BBC Sport. 21 December 2008. Retrieved 21 December 2008.
  12. "Oxford United 3–1 York City". BBC Sport. 16 May 2010. Retrieved 17 May 2010.
  13. "Shrewsbury 3–0 Oxford Utd". BBC Sport. 8 May 2011. Retrieved 8 May 2011.
  14. "Port Vale 3–0 Oxford Utd". BBC Sport. 5 May 2012. Retrieved 13 May 2011.
  15. "Thomas pinning faith in Oxford United boss Wilder". Oxford Mail. 12 May 2012. Retrieved 4 October 2018.
  16. "Chris Wilder signs new Oxford United deal". BBC Sport. 25 April 2013. Retrieved 25 April 2013.
  17. "Oxford United accept manager Chris Wilder's resignation". BBC Sport. 26 January 2014. Retrieved 22 January 2016.
  18. "Chris Wilder appointed new manager". Northampton Town F.C. Retrieved 27 January 2014.
  19. "Northampton Town FC History". Northampton Town F.C. Retrieved 15 January 2017.
  20. "Northampton Town players and staff paid after Thomas takeover". BBC Sport. 3 December 2015. Retrieved 12 January 2020.
  21. "Blades appoint Wilder as new manager". Sheffield United F.C. 12 May 2016. Retrieved 13 May 2016.
  22. "Chris Wilder: Sheffield United appoint Northampton boss to replace Nigel Adkins". BBC Sport. 12 May 2016. Retrieved 15 May 2016.
  23. "Millwall 2 v Sheffield Utd. 1 : Match Report". Bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 26 April 2019.
  24. Kirkham, Andrew (30 April 2017). "Up the Champions". The Official Matchday Programme of Sheffield United F.C. Souvenir Special. v Chesterfield.
  25. "Sheffield Utd. 1 v Brentford 0 : Match Report". Bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 26 April 2019.
  26. "Sheffield Wednesday 2 v. Sheffield Utd. 4 : Match Report". Bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 26 April 2019.
  27. "Leeds Utd. 1 v Sheffield Utd. 2 : Match Report". Bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 26 April 2019.
  28. "Sheffield United promoted to the Premier League". Sky Sports. Retrieved 28 April 2019.
  29. "Boss scoops double". Sheffield United FC. 15 May 2019. Retrieved 4 June 2019.
  30. "Sheffield United: Chris Wilder signs new three-year deal as manager". BBC Sport. 9 July 2019.
  31. "Sheffield United: Chris Wilder: Sheffield United boss extends his contract until 2024". BBC Sport. 10 January 2020.
  32. "Sheffield United confirm manager Chris Wilder's departure". BBC Spott. 13 March 2021. Retrieved 13 March 2021.
  33. "Chris Wilder named Middlesbrough boss and Neil Warnock replacement with immediate effect". Sky Sports. 7 November 2021. Archived from the original on 7 November 2021. Retrieved 7 November 2021.
  34. "Wilder And Jones Win Championship December Awards". www.mfc.co.uk. 7 January 2022.
  35. "Middlesbrough sack manager Wilder". BBC Sport. 3 October 2022. Retrieved 3 October 2022.
  36. Media, P. A. (7 March 2023). "Watford sack Slaven Bilic and appoint Chris Wilder as new manager". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 7 March 2023.
  37. "Valerien Ismael: Watford name ex-Barnsley and West Brom boss as new head coach". BBC Sport. 10 May 2023. Retrieved 10 May 2023.
  38. "Managers: Chris Wilder". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 10 May 2023.
  39. Hugman, Barry J., ed. (1996). The 1996–97 Official PFA Footballers Factfile. Harpenden: Queen Anne Press. p. 285. ISBN 978-1-85291-571-1.
  40. "Club Honours". Alfretontownfc.com. Alfreton Town FC. Archived from the original on 26 February 2018. Retrieved 3 February 2018.
  41. "Club Honours". Non League Paper. 22 April 2020. Retrieved 24 July 2020.
  42. "Storton in need of morale booster". Telegraph & Argus. 18 February 2004. Retrieved 24 July 2020.
  43. "League Managers Association - Chris Wilder". League Managers Association. Retrieved 16 September 2018.
  44. Shield, James (15 April 2017). "Breaking: Sheffield United confirmed champions of League One". The Star. Sheffield. Retrieved 17 April 2017.
  45. "Conference end of season awards". ConfGuide.com. 14 June 2003. Archived from the original on 2 July 2003. Retrieved 14 March 2023.
  46. "The Football League Awards 2016: Winners". EFL.com. 17 April 2016. Retrieved 29 April 2022.
  47. "EFL Official Website - 2019 Winners". EFL.com. Retrieved 26 April 2022.
  48. "More honours for boss Wilder". Sheffield United FC. 23 May 2017. Retrieved 4 June 2019.
  49. "LMA Annual Awards: Chris Hughton, Chris Wilder and Paul Cook recognised". English Football League. 24 May 2017. Retrieved 14 February 2023.
  50. "Sky Bet Championship: February Manager of the Month winner". Efl.com.
  51. "Sky Bet Championship: April Manager of the Month winner". Efl.com.
  52. "Sky Bet Championship: December Manager of the Month winner". Efl.com.
  53. "Chris Wilder named Sky Bet League One Manager of the Month". Efl.com.
  54. "Chris Wilder named Sky Bet League 2 Manager of the Month". Efl.com. Retrieved 29 March 2019.
  55. "Chris Wilder named Sky Bet League 2 Manager of the Month". Efl.com. Retrieved 29 March 2019.
  56. "Chris Wilder named Sky Bet League 2 Manager of the Month". Efl.com. Retrieved 29 March 2019.
  57. "Chris Wilder named Sky Bet League 2 Manager of the Month". Efl.com. Retrieved 29 March 2019.
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