Former Sheffield United star Keith Gillespie has insisted that Sheffield United must recruit a British manager to ensure the Blades can bounce back from a bruising season.
Chris Wilder left by mutual consent in March, leaving the Blades searching for their first full-time boss since 2016.
With the club never having had a non-British manager in their history, Gillespie feels that the supporters will be hoping for Sheffield United to opt for the familiar route once again as they seek Wilder’s successor, who will more than likely be taking charge in the Championship.
Speaking to Football FanCast, Gillespie boldly claimed: “When you have managers that do have experience, you’ve certainly got to sit up and take notice. I’m a believer that a British manager would probably be best in a club like that because they know the club.
“I might be completely wrong, I’d probably say that most Sheffield United fans would probably want a British manager to come in there.
“But if a name becomes available and it’s somebody the board think is viable and will hopefully make things work, then you have to look at it.”
A home-grown tactician would yield certain benefits especially in terms of work permits and general eligibility, but that is not to say that Sheffield would benefit by turning their back on a foreign manager.
Watford make a compelling case from scouting from manager abroad in left-field leagues.
Spanish manager Xisco was plucked from the Georgian league to replace Vladimir Ivic and has since steered the Hornets in a strong position to bounce back immediately to the Premier League.
Xisco’s acumen has provided a blueprint for newly-relegated Premier League sides to bounce back in dominant style and with the Blades glued to the bottom of the table, they could do with taking a leaf out of Watford’s skilfully-written book.
Gillespie admittedly does not rule out appointing a foreign boss, but Sheffield United should turn their backs on foreign talent at their peril.
In other news: Club owner reveals Chris Wilder’s January demands