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Sheffield United have appointed Chris Wilder as their new manager after sacking Paul Heckingbottom.<\/p>\n
The Blades fired Heckingbottom after they slipped to the bottom of the Premier League table, with just five points, after Saturday\u2019s embarrassing 5-0 defeat at Burnley, their 11th reverse in 14 matches.<\/p>\n
Wilder returns to the club after leaving his first spell in March 2021 with the Blades on the way to relegation to the Championship, and will take charge of Wednesday\u2019s Premier League clash with Liverpool.<\/p>\n
The 56-year-old told the club\u2019s official website: \u201cQuite simply it was an opportunity which I just couldn\u2019t turn down. Just like in 2016, when this club comes calling, it is not something you pass up.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen I received the call from Stephen (Bettis) asking if I would consider coming back to try and help, I didn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy 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\u2019s position in the Premier League.\u201d<\/p>\n
Heckingbottom, who was appointed on a permanent basis in November 2021, guided the club to promotion last term but a torrid start to the season has included an 8-0 home thrashing by Newcastle and a 5-0 defeat at Arsenal.<\/p>\n
United chief executive Stephen Bettis said in a statement: \u201cFirstly, on behalf of the board of directors, I\u2019d 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cHis professionalism and dedication have been a credit to the club and I\u2019m sure all Unitedites enjoyed the promotion-winning campaign.<\/p>\n
\u201cHowever, 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
First-team coaches Stuart McCall and Mark Hudson have also left the club.<\/p>\n
The season is still long and we have every chance to achieve our goals<\/p>\n
Club owner Prince Abdullah told talkSPORT on Tuesday that Wilder was \u201cthe best guy on planet earth to take over the club right now in these circumstances\u201d.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cChris is very optimistic he can save the season, he doesn\u2019t think it\u2019s easy, but he thinks it\u2019s still possible.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen you look at the table it\u2019s a very special year, a very weird year when it comes to the standings, so it\u2019s still early, the season is still long and we have every chance to achieve our goals.\u201d<\/p>\n