The club has been performing poorly in their return to the Premier League and are languishing at the bottom spot in the table.
Follow Us
Sheffield United have announced that their former manager Chris Wilder has returned to the club. He has now replaced the recently departed Paul Heckingbottom. Sadly though the departure of Heckingbottom from Sheffield’s hot seat was something many saw coming. The club has been performing poorly in their return to the Premier League and is languishing at the bottom spot in the table.
A 5-0 defeat to fellow relegation-struggling Burnley at the weekend was the final nail in the coffin for Paul Heckingbottom, who becomes the first manager in the Premier League to lose his job this season. Sheffield United supporters would be pleased with the return of Chris Wilder, who was massively respected by many during his previous spell at the club. Wilder returns on a contract until the summer of 2025. Alan Knill, Matt Prestridge and former Republic of Ireland international Keith Andrews will assist Wilder and all will be in the technical area for Wednesday’s home fixture against Liverpool, a club statement read.
After being appointed as the manager, Wilder said how he could not pass up an opportunity like this. “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,” Wilder told sufc.co.uk.
He added: “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.”
Stephen Bettis, Sheffield’s chief executive officer, said why they went with Wilder again. “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,” he stated.
Earlier, Bettis explained why the club let go of Paul Heckingbottom. “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.”
He added: “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.”
More Football Stories:
Wataru Endo news: Why did the Japanese midfielder decide to join Liverpool in the summer?
Manchester United news: How can the Red Devils turn their season around? Scott McTominay responds
Premier League: Which players have scored the most goals in a single season?
EPL stats: Which clubs have conceded the most last-minute winners in Premier League?
EPL stats: Which clubs have scored the most number of last-minute winners in Premier League?
How long will Kevin De Bruyne be out injured? Pep Guardiola responds
