Wilder shrugs off stories linking him to Rotherham United job

Following the departure of Steve Evans from the New York Stadium on Monday, Wilder’s name has been linked with the job of bossing the Millers.

A former Rotherham player and captain, Wilder still lives in nearby Sheffield, and is among the frontrunners with SkyBet to take over the role.

But the 48-year-old insists that, despite the current off-field uncertainty surrounding the club, he is happy at Sixfields.

He also believes the fact his name is being mentioned in connection with another club means he must be doing something right at Northampton.

“Rotherham is a good club, but I have always said regarding these things that it happens when people think you’re doing a good job,” said Wilder, who took over at the Cobblers after leaving Oxford United in January, 2014.

“From my point of view, I am enjoying my time here at Northampton.

“As I said to the chairman when I walked through the door here, all the clubs I have been at I have been there for a considerable time.

“The backing I have had from the supporters really means a lot to myself and Alan (Knill), and I didn’t come here to walk out of the door after 18 months later to anybody.

“So it is head down, and on to Saturday as far as I am concerned.

“The support I have had from the punters has been outstanding, it was outstanding at Wimbledon on Tuesday, and has been outstanding since I’ve been here, and I want to just keep going.”

Wilder made 158 appearances for Rotherham between 1992 and 1996 and admits it is flattering to be linked to other jobs, but he says he wants his players to be linked with moves too, as it means they must be doing the business for Town.

“It is the same with the players, it’s the same with Smithy (Adam Smith), the goalkeeper,” said the Cobblers manager.

“He has done well and he is attracting interest because he is doing well, and I want that to happen to all of my players.

“Whether it’s Lawson (D’Ath), Ivan (Toney) last year, or if it’s Nicky Adams or anybody else, they attract interest because other people think they are doing well, and that’s what we want.”