Journalist Dean Jones has featured on the latest episode of Touchline Talk to discuss all things transfer-related ahead of the summer transfer window.
One topic of discussion was Sheffield United’s ongoing search for a permanent manager following the departure of Chris Wilder in March.
Are you disappointed Chris Wilder has left Sheffield United?
Yes
No
The 53-year-old had been at the helm of the Blades since 2016, however, with the side set for Premier League relegation the decision was made for Wilder to leave his post with the Yorkshire side.
A name that has been linked with the vacant role with the Blades is that of German manager Alexander Blessin who is currently managing the Belgian side Oostende.
Discussing the rumours linking, Jones gave his take on what he knows surrounding the reported Sheffield United target.
He said: “I think [Alexander] Blessin is genuinely the frontrunner at this stage, from what I’m hearing.
“The vision and the way that he works with young players has been something that’s been really impressive. I mean, just to give people an idea of what he’s done Oostende: last season, they finished 15th in the league, they were poor. I mean, there’s 16 teams in the league so that’s how bad they were. And this season they’re fifth, and they’re knocking on the door of the European spot there. So that’s the turnaround that he’s managed to implement.
“I certainly think that this is a path that Sheffield United are exploring right now and seeing whether he’s interested and if so, what his vision will be with Sheffield United.”
TIF Thoughts on Jones’ comments…
Sheffield United’s relegation to the Premier League is now all but confirmed with the Blades sitting rock-bottom of the Premier League table on just 14 points. The club knows what they will have to prepare themselves for this summer and Jones feels they have their main target to replace Wilder in Blessin.
As Jones states, the German has done a fantastic job in transforming Oostende into a competitive side, however, it is unknown as to how he would be able to adapt to the English Championship.
It is certainly a risk given he has never managed in England before, but it seems a risk Jones believes the Blades are considering making.
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