Prince Abdullah officially confirms managerial change at Sheffield United

Sheffield United owner Prince Abdullah has confirmed the return of Chris Wilder as the manager, replacing the sacked Paul Heckingbottom.

After earning automatic promotion to the Premier League and an FA Cup semi-final last season, United officially confirmed Heckingbottom’s exit.

The decision to part ways with Heckingbottom, who initially replaced Wilder on an interim basis in March 2021, was explained by the Blades owner, via talkSPORT.

“Yes [I have made the decision].

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

Heckingbottom’s departure comes with Sheffield United currently bottom of the table, following a concerning 5-0 defeat to fellow relegation-threatened side Burnley.

The 56-year-old has already achieved so much for his boyhood club after getting the club promoted from League One and the Championship during his first tenure. But, if Wilder can keep the Blades in the Premier League this term it would undoubtedly be his toughest achievement to date, given the circumstances the club is in.