'A visit to the roulette wheel'

BBC News

19-06-2025

Ruben Selles has been installed as Sheffield United head coach in place of Chris Wilder. Here's what you've had to say about Selles' appointment:Neil: Probably a big mistake. Selles is utterly unproven. He may the the next Jose Mourinho, but also might be the next David Weir. He may not make it to Christmas. Or he may lead us into the Champions League. For data-driven owners, this is seems one hell of a visit to the roulette table.Freddie: Sheffield United have consistently appointed failed managers who have then failed at Bramall Lane too, since the day Dave Bassett left the club - and nothing will change under the new manager and owners.Andy: Wilder was able to rebuild the team and keep them competitive. If Wilder was being replaced by a manager with a good pedigree then it would make sense. However, Selles doesn't fit into that category in any way. I hope I'm wrong but this could be a big mistake.Miguel: That's a big gamble. Chris has been great and deserved another crack at the Premier League. Win percentage above 40% everywhere he's been. Phenomenal. Big-game results let him down. Selles' win percentage - never above 40% anywhere he's been. We've heard they are going for data-driven recruitment. It would seem not. I don't understand this roll of the dice.John: It's a big gamble, but football is all about moving forward. I hope the analytical approach favoured by the owners will not lose sight of traditional recruitment.Steve: Underwhelmed by the appointment of Selles - his CV suggests possibility but also tactical rigidity and lack of attacking strategies - if we're not off to a flying start, things could turn ugly.David: A club like United need to fully embrace the modern methods being utilised successfully by other medium-sized clubs. Brighton, Brentford and Bournemouth are the poster boys for this approach but Liverpool and Spurs have had success using analytics and there will have been others. It stings to let such a talismanic manager leave, to be replaced by a (so far) less successful coach, but if this truly is the dawn of a new era then it will be worth it. We'll see.David: Given the new recruitment system uses AI and statistical analysis the switch from Wilder to Selles, based on past performance and achievement, is a massive step in the wrong direction. Trust in the new owners and the board is seriously in doubt for me.Matthew: It is a shocking decision on a basic football level. Replacing one of the most successful managers the club has ever had - a dodgy VAR call and a last-minute wonder goal from nowhere away from another promotion by the way! - with a guy who's biggest achievement so far is sixth in League One or just nine wins with Hull and barely staying up. However, more worrying is the corporate tone of the statements from the club which imply they want a yes man to dictate ideas to and that they do not respect or appreciate the unique bond that Wilder has with this club and the fans. Unfortunately the Blades will end up in the mid table of the Championship again for the next few years now as a result. Makes me not want to bother watching anymore.Graham: Totally the wrong move, Wilder is a Blade through and through. He shouldn't have been sacked but then to bring in an also-ran in his place is diabolical. We should have at least brought in someone who has a proven track record of getting teams promoted.