Wilder: Sheffield United New Owners Keen to Push Recruitment, Youth Academy & Medical Department Forward | OneFootball

Sheffield United have entered a new era under the ownership of the American consortium fronted by Steve Rosen and Helmy Eltoukhy.

With the Blades fighting to get back into the Premier League, currently sat third in the Championship, this new chapter promises to be an exciting one for the football club where they can grow both on and off the pitch.

Manager Chris Wilder has been the backbone of Sheffield United’s recent success. The former player-turned-coach has reinvigorated the club, for the second time now, bringing a fresh style of football, overcoming a points deduction and a huge rebuilding job last summer.

SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND – JANUARY 01: Chris Wilder (r) head coach of Sheffield United with his staff on the bench during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sunderland AFC and Sheffield United FC at Stadium of Light on January 01, 2025 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Chris Wilder Talks Sheffield United New Owners’ Plans

The new owners of United have discussed offering Wilder a new contract, with his current one set to expire in the summer. On his ongoing contract discussions, Wilder stated in his press conference: “That will take care of itself. I’ve said enough about that. That’s in good hands and discussions are ongoing with the football club and Steve Bettis and the people who represent me. I don’t need to get involved; I just need to concentrate on what the main event is, which is continuing the good work we’ve so far produced leading up to the last 20 games of the season.”

Wilder also addressed the role of artificial intelligence in future player recruitment, underlining its potential to enhance the scouting process. With limited resources compared to some Premier League giants, the Blades have historically relied on a tightly knit recruitment strategy, but that could be about to change.

He said: “Recruitment is huge and we’ve worked off a small group for a long time, so to open that up with different avenues is really important. Of course, you don’t always get it right. I don’t think anyone always gets it right, but, especially this season, we’re delighted with what we’ve done and I would say we’ve got a very good record.” He added, “The more information we can get on players, specific positions, from a physical point of view where they are and intensity of leagues, and then you chuck in the balance of it all with experience, young players, saleable assets, non-saleable assets.”

Helmy Eltoukhy’s medical background is an interesting concept as the club aims to use AI for injury prevention, treatment, and overall player health management. Wilder acknowledged the potential benefits, “We’re already talking about AI from a medical point of view and what their expertise will bring to the football club.”

One of the long-term goals for the club under its new ownership is achieving Category One status for United’s academy. Wilder highlighted the owners’ enthusiasm for enhancing the club’s youth development infrastructure. He claimed: “The time I met the owners with Stephen Bettis, we took them up to HSBC at Dore and showed them around. They were hugely impressed. They understand how good the academy has been and where we need to push that on to keep it moving forward.” He added, “I’m sure we’ve not bought a plot of land just for it to be a plot of land and mothball it. We’ve bought it to turn it into a top-end training facility that allows us down here [at Shirecliffe] to move into Category One status.”