Sheffield United are set to embrace some necessary change at the managerial level after their disappointing 5-0 loss to Burnley that has left them rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table after the first 14 games of the 2023/24 season.
Sheffield United Appoint Chris Wilder As New Manager
Paul Heckinbottom Sacked For Wilder
Sheffield United have confirmed that Paul Heckingbottom has been sacked as their manager after the disastrous loss to Burnley left them rooted to the bottom spot in the Premier League. They have brought back club legend Chris Wilder to take over for him, with the Englishman signing a contract until the summer of 2025.
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Speaking to the Blades’ official media after returning to the club after a two-year absence, Wilder said: “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.”
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What Has Wilder Achieved With Sheffield United?
Wilder is Sheffield United through and through, having a very special bond with the club and having helped them in so many ways in the past. He actually began his career as a professional footballer with the Blades and went on to make over 100 appearances for them in his playing career.
After that, he returned to the club as a manager in 2016. Wilder did not take much time to work his magic at the club, helping them get promoted from League One to the Championship in his first season in charge. He also guided them to the Premier League in 2019 and won the LMA Manager of the Year award in the same year.
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Wilder’s management of the Blades in his initial stint was hailed by many, as an ex-England manager even called his work “phenomenal” a few years ago. He resigned from his role as their manager in March 2021, having managed 227 matches and helping them win 106 of those games. He had managerial stints at Middlesborough and most recently at Watford, but has been out of work since May 2023. The 56-year-old has now secure a dream return to Sheffield United to help them fight to avoid relegation from the Premier League at the end of this season.
