Chris Wilder agrees new Sheffield United deal 'in principle'
Friday 23 June 2017 14:47, UK
Chris Wilder has confirmed to Sky Sports News HQ that he has agreed a new contract "in principle" at Sheffield United.
Sky sources reported on Thursday that the 49-year-old was in talks with the Blades' hierarchy, having won the League One title last season, ending their six-year exile from the second tier.
Wilder insists he is enjoying his time at the club and his relationship with United chief executive Stephen Bettis, who is working closely with him to improve the squad ahead of next season in the Sky Bet Championship.
Wilder told Sky Sports News HQ: "I've been pretty comfortable and patient with everything. It's up to the owners to come to me if they want to talk about a new deal and extending the deal, which we have done in principle.
"Hopefully we can get everything sorted out. It's a fantastic club to be involved in and we're looking forward to going into the new season and to compete.
"It has to go through the channels of speaking to the owners, but I've spoken to the chief exec and we work really well together. We work within budget, we don't get carried away with numbers, we go at our own pace and I'm delighted to lead this club - and why shouldn't I?
"We like to think we're in a different division, within a division, to the big hitters so we've got to be a little bit more creative and pick our players out of different pots. We did that last year.
"I don't get carried away by names, and I don't think you get a medal for wasting money. But we have to raise the bar in terms of the quality of the players and it's an ongoing process."
Reports have claimed United could try and lure former skipper Phil Jagielka back to Bramall Lane from Everton this summer, but Wilder has cast doubt that the ex-England captain would want to drop down the leagues.
He said: "I've not spoken to Phil. He's gone from here to have a wonderful career and if we wants to come back and play here for a couple of years we'd be delighted.
"But I'm sure he'll think he's still got life at the top. He's a Premier League player and captained his country."
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