As the US-led ownership bid continues, Chris Wilder is adamant that Sheffield United’s promotion push not be derailed by the persistent uncertainty around their future ownership. The Star is aware that the protracted procedure is at a crucial stage after several setbacks and delays appeared to have put it in actual danger at one point.
The Blades’ 2-0 success against Blackburn Rovers yesterday was witnessed by representatives of the prospective new owner, Ohio-based investor Steven Rosen, once more. This comes before of the team’s crucial away games against Bristol City and Wednesday in the Steel City derby on Sunday. Wilder is concentrating on what he can control after leading his team to their eighth victory in 13 games this season, but any change of leadership at this point in the season would have an impact on United’s January transfer plan.
“I’ve not been involved in the takeover at all,” Wilder said. “I’m not part of it and I’m head down and on with preparing the team for the next game. That’s for the chief exec or the owner, not for me. I’m focusing on the group. Nothing has affected me so far, it’s been going on for a while and it hasn’t affected me. Because we wouldn’t have had the results we have had if I had been affected.”
Prior to a recent reorganisation that resulted in the departure of former frontmen Tom Page and Dom Hughes, the consortium had been in discussions with current owner Prince Abdullah regarding the purchase of the Blades. Rosen, a former background money man, took over the negotiations with the Prince. After overcoming obstacles like the EFL’s need for personal guarantees and the negotiations surrounding the purchase of the Bramall Lane hotel, there was renewed hope that a deal to bring United back under American control was imminent.
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