Since the departure of Scott Parker and his backroom staff, the Cherries have been operating on a very light coaching team headed by Gary O’Neil.
Speculation regarding a potential sale of the club appears to be delaying any real efforts on finding a permanent resolution to the managerial position.
Whilst results and team morale continue to be improving, the appointment can happily sit in the background whilst it is reported that American businessman Bill Foley completes the purchase of AFC Bournemouth from Maxim Demin.
But whilst many AFC Bournemouth fans appear content with the situation, happily showing patience in the understanding of the current situation, the betting markets were less content over the weekend.
On Sunday afternoon former Sheffield United and current Middlesbrough manager Chris Wilder’s betting odds dramatically fell over a very short period, at one point becoming the out and out favourite to become the Cherries next manager.
Middlesbrough supporters were full of speculation regarding their manager, with posts on fmttmboro.com explaining that the current rumours were that Wilder had “applied for the Bournemouth job”, this began on Saturday and the betting odds soon reacted.
By Monday morning, journalists on the south coast were quick to dismiss the speculation. Alex Crook from talkSPORT posted on social media “I do not believe he is one of the names under consideration”.
BBC Radio Solent reporter Kris Temple was far more confident in his assessment, writing “I can confidently report that Chris Wilder is not on the AFCB shortlist”, which of course also appears to confirm that there is indeed a shortlist for the role…
Daniel Davis from Dorset Live added that “there had been no official approach from the club”.
Had a couple of messages asking about Chris Wilder and #AFCB. I do not believe he is one of the names under consideration.
— Alex Crook ⚽️🎙 (@alex_crook) September 26, 2022
🍒 Stand down. Despite the eye-catching market move, I can confidently report that Chris Wilder is not on the #AFCB shortlist. @BBCTeesSport @solentsport #boro #utb https://t.co/yAKJTBHitH
— Kris Temple (@kristemple) September 26, 2022
🍒 As per other reports, appears Chris Wilder to #afcb is a no go ❌
There has been no official approach from the club, and Wilder is expected to take Middlesbrough training this morning #afcb
— Daniel Davis (@dan_davis20) September 26, 2022
This Tuesday morning, chief sports writer for the Northern Echo Scott Wilson has written…
“Wilder is the bookmakers’ favourite to take over at the Vitality Stadium, but senior Middlesbrough sources remain adamant there has been no formal approach from the Cherries requesting permission to speak to the Boro boss.
Wilder took charge of yesterday morning’s training session as preparations continue for Saturday’s return to Championship action at Coventry City, with the club fully expecting him to be in the dug-out at the Coventry Building Society Arena this weekend as Boro look to haul themselves out of the Championship’s bottom three.
However, when it comes to the national newspapers, the speculation rattles on.
The Daily Mail have reported, in an “exclusive”…
“Chris Wilder will be among the leading candidates to take charge of Bournemouth when the American takeover of the club is finalised.
Sportsmail understands the current Middlesbrough boss is high on the list of those being considered by the prospective new owners, headed by NHL franchise supremo Bill Foley.
The report went on to add that Wilder “is thought to be admired by the Americans” and that “were Bournemouth to make an approach down the line, it is unlikely to be met with resistance.”
Your say…
northstandmark wrote…
I can see why Wilder may be looking around. Boro were supposed to be making a real go of it this season and they’ve been awful so far, so his stock is falling. If he’s going to jump to a better job it has to be now, or he has to turn it around at Boro or face the sack.
That doesn’t exactly make him interesting for me. Was that period of success with Sheff Utd, with one very specific system, just a purple patch? Looks like it currently. – Join the conversation, click here.
