Chris Wilder responds to Burnley speculation as Middlesbrough boss linked with Sean Dyche replacement at Premier League club

Chris Wilder has refused to rule out the prospect of replacing Sean Dyche as Burnley manager.

Dyche was dismissed from his role at Turf Moor after nine-and-a-half years with the Clarets during which he gained promotion to the Premier League, cemented his place in the top flight and even secured European football for the Lancashire side .

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With Burnley sitting four points from safety, the decision has been made to replace the 50-year-old, with potential candidates already being discussed.

Wilder is a man who would be among the favorites for the role, after his work as manager of Sheffield United in recent years.

Since then, Wilder has taken charge of Middlesbrough and propelled the Teessiders into play-off contention with just five matches remaining of the campaign.

While admitting his immediate target was Boro’s six-point play-off against Huddersfield on Monday, Wilder remained tight-lipped regarding the speculation.

Speaking after the 0-0 draw with Bournemouth, he said; “I didn’t watch it.

“Sean is a friend of mine. I think he will understand it based on the situation in the industry and obviously a decision has been made. I’m not going to say anything in terms of this, that or the other.

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“My head is down and I’m thinking, ‘see you Monday’.”

Wilder added: “What I will say is that I think, without giving an opinion on the decision, he did an incredible job there and I think it completely flies under the radar the work he did. done in terms of what’s going on and the challenges he’s had at this football club.

“I think when people look back on it, he was an incredible manager in the Premier League for a number of years.

“I worked in this division and I know how difficult it is.

“I spent two years there, he spent seven, eight or nine and keeping Burnley there was an incredible achievement and something he should be very proud of.”

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