Tuesday 22 May 2018 16:49, UK
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has signed a one-year contract extension that will keep him at the club until 2021.
The 50-year-old was the subject of interest from Sunderland's new owners but has agreed to remain with the club he led to promotion from Sky Bet League One in 2017.
Wilder, along with his assistant Alan Knill, goalkeeping coach Darren Ward, head of sports science Matt Prestridge and head of recruitment Paul Mitchell are set to sign new deals.
Sky Sports News initially revealed Wilder and his team were to be offered next contracts last week.
"After lengthy discussions with both owners, I am delighted and proud to carry on leading Sheffield United Football Club forward in a positive manner, as we have previously shown in the last two seasons," said Wilder.
"I'm confident we can concentrate fully on on-field issues, we are very much looking forward to pre-season and adding quality reinforcements to our squad in an attempt to build on our performance last season."
Wilder had been odds-on favourite to move to the Stadium of Light once Stuart Donald's takeover of Sunderland was confirmed this week.
The news comes despite no sign of an end to the increasingly acrimonious dispute over Sheffield United ownership.
Co-owners Kevin McCabe and Prince Abdullah said in a joint statement: "We are delighted to bring this news to all Sheffield United fans. It comes after another very positive season for the Blades under Chris and we are confident it will be welcomed by everyone with or associated with the club.
"The improvement in the club's performance since Chris took over as manager two seasons ago is clear. He has brought renewed energy and passion to Bramall Lane with supporters proud of the way the team approach each match.
"We are both very pleased that Chris and his backroom team have agreed to extend their current contracts by a further year.
"While the past two seasons have been hugely enjoyable we can only focus on the future and that future includes Chris Wilder now having the extra year's security to continue to build on his excellent work so far."
