Sheffield United reappoint Chris Wilder as new manager after sacking Paul Heckingbottom

Sheffield United have sacked manager Paul Heckingbottom after a poor start to the Premier League season and reappointed Chris Wilder, the club announced on Tuesday.

The newly-promoted Blades are bottom of the table with just one win from 14 games.

The club announced that Wilder will replace Heckingbottom and he has signed a contract until the summer of 2025, with coaches Alan Knill, Matt Prestridge and Keith Andrews joining him.

Wilder's first game back at the club comes against Liverpool in the Premier League at Brammall Lane on Wednesday.

Heckingbottom's last game for the club was a 5-0 thrashing at the hands of fellow newcomers Burnley on Saturday.

He becomes the first Premier League manager to be sacked this season with his coaches Stuart McCall and Mark Hudson also leaving the club.

"Quite simply it was an opportunity which I just couldn't turn down," Wilder said in a club statement.

"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."

Sheffield United owner Prince Abdullah announced the move before it was officially confirmed by the club earlier on Tuesday.

“Chris is practically an honour of the club, he’s part of Sheffield United history," he told talkSPORT.

"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."

Wilder spent five years in charge of the Blades before being sacked in early 2021 with the club bottom of the Premier League table.

Heckingbottom was appointed manager later that year and secured a Premier League return last season with a second-place finish in the Championship.

Their chances of staying in the Premier League appeared to be damaged before the start of the campaign as they sold key players Iliman Ndiaye and Sander Berge.

In a statement to announce Heckingbottom's dismissal, chief executive officer 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."

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