Chris Wilder: How Sheffield United boss went from hero to backroom fallout

Problems came to a head when Wilder wanted a left-sided centre-back and a midfielder in the transfer window, but was told he could not sign anyone.

Prince Abdullah might point to the fact relegation already looked likely and, had shown his support over the last two seasons by sanctioning record deals for Brewster, Berge (£22m), Oliver McBurnie (£20m) and Lys Mousset (£10m). Of those, only Berge has been a success.

A working relationship had soured and the battle ground had been set. As the club’s relegation became accepted, attention turned towards Wilder’s future.

After two promotions in three seasons, logic would dictate he’d be the perfect man to lead them back to the Premier League.

The desire among most Blades fans was for him to stay, external, however, earlier this month, Wilder said talks about his future “weren’t happening”.

“That plan is determined by other people.,” he said.

Worry set in among fans. After one of the most successful periods in the club’s history, a future without Wilder was almost unthinkable.

But on Saturday night, the news was made official. Wilder had left the club by “mutual consent”.

“Being manager of Sheffield United has been a special journey and one I’ll never forget,” he said in a short statement.

Fans will feel the same. Sheffield United’s frontman is now gone and for many it will be hard to imagine how the club – and Prince Abdullah’s reputation – can recover.

Watch: Wilder’s last interview as Sheffield United manager