Sheffield United have sacked Paul Heckingbottom as manager and re-appointed Chris Wilder as his replacement.
Heckingbottom succeeded Wilder as manager on an interim basis in March 2021 until the end of that season, which saw the Blades relegated from the Premier League but Slavisa Jokanovic was appointed permanent manager that summer.
Jokanovic however left the club in November 2021 and Heckingbottom this time was appointed manager on a permanent basis, which saw him lead the club to that season’s Championship Play-Offs before a successful charge to automatic promotion last season.
Heckingbottom however saw experienced players in Sander Berge, Iliman Ndiaye and Billy Sharp leave this summer for financial reasons, which left the Blades struggling this season with just five points in 14 league games and sat rock bottom of the top-flight.
The campaign also has seen Sheffield Utd suffer their worst-ever league defeat in a 8-0 loss at home to Newcastle in late September, whilst a 5-0 loss at fellow promoted club – Burnley last Saturday (2 December) proved the final straw and led to Heckingbottom’s departure.
Explaining Heckingbottom’s departure, United’s CEO, Stephen Bettis said: “Firstly, on behalf of the board of directors, I’d like to thank Paul for all of his efforts at Sheffield United, firstly as U23s manager before stepping up to take control of first-team duties.
“His professionalism and dedication have been a credit to the club and I’m sure all Unitedites enjoyed the promotion-winning campaign.
“However, after slipping to the bottom of the table and a number of disappointing results and performances, it is felt that a change is needed to give the club a boost and every possible chance of remaining in the Premier League beyond this season.”
Wilder meanwhile is back at the club just six months after he left Watford following a two-month stint at Vicarage Road.
Speaking to sufc.co.uk about his return, Wilder commented: “Quite simply it was an opportunity which I just couldn’t turn down. Just like in 2016, when this club comes calling, it is not something you pass up.
“This is Sheffield United, it is my team and I am thrilled to be back. We find ourselves in a difficult position, I understand that, but I think I can make a difference.
“When I received the call from Stephen (Bettis) asking if I would consider coming back to try and help, I didn’t have to think about it. People know what this club means to me, and the task now is to try and provide a boost to improve our current situation.
“My relationship with Prince Abdullah and the board was repaired a long time ago. After some time passed following my initial departure, we spoke, met in person and there was an amicable ending. Now, coming back as manager, to know there is a united front again is crucial as we look to work together to improve the club’s position in the Premier League.”
Bettis added: “Following discussions, the board feel that Chris Wilder is the best possible option to give the Blades a change in fortune at this time and everyone at the club is delighted to welcome him back.
“His love for United and desire to improve the current situation is undeniable, added to the fact that he knows the majority of the squad and the club’s DNA, which will help him hit the ground running.”
Wilder will take charge of the first-team with immediate effect as the Blades prepare to host Liverpool at Bramall Lane tomorrow (6 December) evening at 7:30pm GMT, live on Amazon Prime in the UK.
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