Chris Wilder answers Burnley speculation as Middlesbrough boss is linked with being Sean Dyche’s 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 following nine and a half years with the Clarets in which he earned promotion to the Premier League, consolidated their spot in the top flight and even secured European football for the Lancashire side.

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With Burnley sitting four points adrift of safety, the decision was made to replace the 50-year-old, with potential candidates already being discussed.

Wilder is one man who is said to be among the favourites for the role, following his job as manager of Sheffield United in recent years.

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

While admitting that his immediate focus was Boro's play-off six-pointer against Huddersfield on Monday, Wilder remained tight-lipped regarding the speculation.

Speaking after the 0-0 draw with Bournemouth, he said; "I’ve not looked at it.

“Sean is a pal of mine. I think he’ll understand it in terms of how the industry is and there has obviously been a decision made. I’m not going to come out with anything in terms of this, that or the other.

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“My head is down and I’m thinking, ‘onto Monday’."

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

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

"I’ve worked in that division and I know how tough it is.

"I’ve had two years there, he’s had seven, eight or nine and to keep Burnley up there has been an incredible achievement and one that he should be very proud of.”

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