Under the guidance of manger Wilder, 48 the Cobblers won promotion as League Two Champions ahead of fellow automatically promoted rivals Oxford United and Bristol Rovers. AFC Wimbledon or Plymouth Argyle could join them, the pair will battle it out at Wembley today for a place in next season's League One campaign.
Whilst with Northampton, Wilder adopted a traditional 4-4-2 formation, though he sometimes slipped to 4-4-1-1 depending on the opponent.
He replaces Nigel Adkins who spent less than 12 months at the helm after he was accused by the board of 'losing touch with the supporters.' Wilder however has been an instant hit with the fans and he believes sticking together is the main key for success, though he will have a lot to prove on the field as the Blades try (again) so desperately to win promotion back into the Championship.
Picture: (Then) Northampton Town Manager Chris Wilder with his Football Manager Team of the Season Award at the Football League Awards in Manchester.
The new Blades boss told the Sheffield Star; “In an era where there isn’t any connection, what happened at Northampton was massive. You can see the successful teams in all the divisions; there is Burnley [Championship], Leicester City [Premier League], Northampton and to a certain extent, Burton [League One]. They have all done it without the biggest budgets, but with a bit of togetherness and I think that’s a sign to every club that they do need that.
“It is certainly something I will be trying to do at Sheffield United. The players care about their performances, and the supporters care about their football club. Obviously it is a different challenge to Northampton, but one I am massively looking forward to,” he added.
“I believe I am ready, I think I deserve the opportunity after the work I have done. People recognise that I worked within the budget, and the job I did at Northampton. While I have connections at Sheffield United, I would like to believe that I have been given the opportunity due to my record as a manager.”