Middlesbrough boss Chris Wilder distances himself from Burnley job

Middlesbrough boss Chris Wilder has refused to be drawn into speculation surrounding his future at the club after being linked with the Burnley job.

The 54-year-old is one of the bookies favourites to replace Sean Dyche, who was relieved of his duties with the Clarets on April 15 after ten years of service.

Former Sheffield United boss Wilder only took the Riverside Stadium reins in November 2021 but has now been linked with a return to the Premier League.

After his side’s 2-0 defeat at home to Huddersfield Town, Burnley-linked Wilder was asked whether he would consider a move to Turf Moor.

“Listen, I’m an emotional guy. We’ve just got beaten from a footballing point of view”, Wilder told reporters.

“I’ve just got beaten as manager of Middlesbrough, so I can’t stop any of that stuff (Burnley speculation), but I’m not so sure it’s the right time to ask anything like that after a really disappointing defeat from our point of view.

“I just don’t think there is a way out of talking about it. I think it’s really unfair on everybody. I am the manager of Middlesbrough and nobody knows what is around the corner.

“I don’t know what you want me to say, or what you want me to do, you’re after me dropping my guard and to say something daft.

“I am Middlesbrough manager, and enjoying working here at the club, we have just been defeated.”

Burnley are currently 18th in the top flight and three points from safety. Their most recent outing saw them draw 1-1 away to West Ham.

Under-23s coach Mike Jackson, assisted by academy director Paul Jenkins, U23s goalkeeping coach Connor King and club captain Ben Mee all took charge in the match at the London Stadium.

The Clarets are keen to appoint a new manager as quickly as possible as they aim to maintain their Premier League status.

Burnley will look to keep the pressure on fellow strugglers Everton, when they take on Southampton at home in their next match on Wednesday night.