Sheffield United confirm Chris Wilder return after sacking Paul Heckingbottom
Sheffield United have sacked Paul Heckingbottom and replaced him with former boss Chris Wilder.
The Blades have taken just five points from their first 14 Premier League games, with an immediate return to the Championship looking likely for the promoted club. Saturday's 5-0 thumping at relegation rivals Burnley proved to be the final straw for Heckingbottom.
United's moto under Heckingbottom was "out run, out fight, out play" - but they have shown none of those qualities this term. Newcastle hammered them 8-0 in September, Arsenal put five goals past them in October, and now Burnley have had their fun.
Wilder's return will be welcomed by many United fans. The 56-year-old, who also enjoyed two spells at Bramall Lane as a player, led them from the depths of League One to the Premier League during his previous time in charge between May 2016 and March 2021.
United's owner Prince Abdullah confirmed the news on talkSPORT on Tuesday morning. "Yes (I have made the decision)," Prince Abdullah said to confirm the news.
Chelsea complete record-breaking Enzo Fernandez transfer after deadline day rush
"Chris is practically an honour of the club, he’s part of Sheffield United history. One thing I always like to do, not just in football but all of my businesses, is to keep a good relationship with my ex-employees no matter how it ended, I think you should get over it.
"At the end of the day we’re all passionate about what we do and we believe Chris is the right man for the job. Chris has done great things for the club and in my opinion he’s the best guy on planet earth to take over the club right now in these circumstances."
United sat at the bottom of the Premier League when Wilder left by mutual consent two-and-a-half years ago and went on to suffer relegation. His relationship with Prince Abdullah had broken down but has since been patched up.
Wilder has spent time in charge of Middlesbrough and Watford in recent years but failed to get both clubs promoted from the Championship. United fans will hope Wilder can spark the club back into life again, but relegation remains a strong possibility.
Paul Heckingbottom led the Blades to promotion last season (Getty Images)Do you think Sheffield United were right to sack Paul Heckingbottom? Let us know in the comments below!
Heckingbottom initially took over on an interim basis after Chris Wilder's exit in March 2021. He won three of his 11 matches in charge of the Blades but soon returned back to his previous role with the U23s, as Slavisa Jokanovic was handed the top job in May 2021.
Yet Jokanovic was dismissed following a poor start to the campaign, with Heckingbottom appointed as the club's permanent manager in November 2021. He guided United into the play-offs in May 2022, where they were beaten in the semi-finals by Nottingham Forest.
United were promoted back to the Premier League last season by finishing second in the Championship behind Burnley. Yet a turbulent summer followed.
Sander Berge and Iliman Ndiaye, who both shone in their promotion-winning campaign, were both sold to Burnley and Marseille respectively on the eve of the season. Cameron Archer and Gustavo Hamer were brought in to replace the pair.
United's campaign has also been overshadowed by several injuries, most notably Chris Basham's horror leg break against Fulham in October. The likes of Tom Davies, Rhian Brewster, Max Lowe and captain John Egan are all recovering from injuries.
Everton chiefs face transfer backlash from fans after deadline day disaster
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
