Will Sheffield United come in for Oxford United boss Chris Wilder?

That’s the question on all Oxford fans’ lips after the Blades parted company with manager Kevin Blackwell on Saturday following their 3-0 home defeat by QPR.

Wilder, 43, who led Oxford United back into the Football League last season, has more than two years remaining on his contract, so if he was prised away, the U’s would expect to get significant compensation.

It’s not known though either whether Sheffield United have their sights on a more experienced man – Wilder has not managed higher than League Two – or indeed whether Wilder would leave Oxford when he appears to be in the middle of building something special.

But the Bramall Lane outfit are probably the only club outside the Premier League he would consider moving to.

Born in Stocksbridge, Sheffield, he was a Blades fan as a boy and enjoyed two spells at Sheffield United, making 132 appearances.

Wilder’s family have settled in well in Oxfordshire and he admitted in Saturday’s matchday programme: “I’m happy here. I love the area that I’m in, the staff that I have are first class and I think this is just the start of things.”

Wilder signed a three-year deal at Oxford in May 2009, just days after Burton Albion were refused permission to speak to him regarding their vacant manager’s position at the time.

Yesterday, Blades chief executive Trevor Birch said: “We remain passionate and committed to achieving promotion and believe the change of management will assist in that quest.

“The board will not rush the next move and further discussions will take place today and tomorrow to consider Kevin’s successor.”

Ex-Sheffield United player Gary Speed is tipped to be the front-runner, but Wilder is one of a number of names being touted as a possible replacement by supporters on the Sheffield fans’ forums.

Meanwhile, Wilder was pleased with his team’s performance, though disappointed with the result, as Oxford United lost 2-1 to Bury at the Kassam Stadium on Saturday in their first home game back in npower League Two.

The U’s created a mass of good chances, but were caught on the counter-attack as Ryan Lowe tucked home the winner 11 minutes from the end.

“We’re on top and bossing the game and we’ve left the door wide open at the back,”Wilder said.

“It’s come from our free-kick and then it’s rolled back to Clarkey (Ryan Clarke) , there’s not enough on it, they break and there’s three on two.

“It’s absolutely ridiculous. As I said against Burton, I can handle us being positive if we’re going for it, but these are decent sides and will hurt you.

“But overall we’re on the right track and moving in the right direction.”