Chris Wilder has taken some down-time since leaving Sheffield United - but he is now itching to get back into management.
Wilder transformed his boyhood club in just under five years in the job, taking them from mid-table in League One to the top half of the Premier League.
He left the Blades last March, shortly before their relegation from the top flight was rubber-stamped. It capped a terrible season for United, with Wilder relating to a breakdown in relationship between himself and the owner of the South Yorkshire club.
But after a short period of reflection and rest, the 53-year-old insists that the fire still burns within as he plots his next management role.
Wilder had discussions for the recent vacancies at West Brom and Fulham but both came to nothing.
He insists he is eager to get back to work as soon as possible and bounce back from a poor season last time out - something that has seldom experienced in a managerial career that has seen him progress from the Northern Counties League to the top table of English football.
"I wanted to be back in work by now and I am not and that's frustrating," Wilder told the Mail.
"Right now I would normally be worrying about something — training or players or opposition. I am not and it feels wrong. I have done this job for 20 years and am full on in love with it.
"There is a ridiculous amount of fight in me and what happened last season really hurt.
"I was never intending to leave, regardless of what division the club was in. The hunger is still there.
"I would love to work in the Premier League again, whether it's starting there or taking a club there. I am not automatically expecting to walk in to a Premier League job as they attract world-class operators.
"The big-name guys have all had downsides in their careers.
"This is a period they have told me to try and enjoy but also use to get the most out of and make sure I come roaring back. I intend to do that."
With regards his next role, Wilder believes that despite the troublesome 2020-21 season his CV still "stacks up" after promotions from all three divisions of the EFL.
He added: "I have invites waiting to go and watch teams like Manchester City train and will do that. Ultimately, though, I just want to get back to work.
"I think my CV stacks up OK, even though it has taken a bit of a hit this last year.
"Should applications for jobs be judged on what people have achieved? Yes, probably. If so, then I think I have a decent chance of getting a good job."
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