PAUL HECKINGBOTTOM will get the chance to steer Sheffield United to safety and the FA Cup final – with Jason Tindall to join as his sidekick.
Heckingbottom is to run the Blades side for the rest of the campaign after Chris Wilder’s departure on Saturday night, with no plans for a new manager before the summer.
Chris Wilder took his boyhood club up the divisionsCredit: Rex Features
And former Bournemouth boss Tindall, axed after just half a season in charge, will partner him at the helm at Bramall Lane.
Tindall is available and keen to return to management. His appointment will spark talk of Eddie Howe coming in as manager down the line, but insiders reveal that is not currently part of the plan.
The new management pair have an uphill task to stay up but they do have a shot at Cup glory, with United in the quarter finals.
Wilder went to United’s training camp to finalise his exit yesterday and he will NOT be allowed to discuss the controversial departure.
The popular manager is to get a severance package and will be paid in full.
However the Blades owners want to avoid a public slanging match.
A statement released from the club confirming his departure read: “Sheffield United confirms that Chris Wilder has left the Club by mutual consent.
“The Board and Chris Wilder, who has managed the Blades to more than 100 wins in his almost five years at Bramall Lane, made the decision following discussions.
Ex-Hibs boss Paul Heckingbottom will take temporary chargeCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Axed Bournemouth boss Jason Tindall will assist HeckingbottomCredit: Getty Images – Getty
“Earlier this season, Chris Wilder surpassed 200 league games in charge of the Blades, becoming the sixth United manager to reach this milestone.
“We are confident that all Blades fans around the world will join us in thanking Chris for his hard work, commitment and expertise in driving the Club.
“Now the Club will turn its attention to completing the season as strongly as possible and if we are relegated, to preparing for the Championship.
“We confirm our intention to keep the core of the player group together and will continue to invest further in the Academy and the First Team, to place us in the best possible position for the future.”
Wilder added: “Being manager of Sheffield United has been a special journey and one I’ll never forget.
“I was delighted to be given the opportunity back in 2016 and have been delighted with the success which we have achieved, including two promotions and a highest ever Premier League finish.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has contributed to the Club’s accomplishments along the way, including the players, staff and, in particular, the supporters.”
Wilder was not able to say goodbye to his squad after his five-year spell in charge… for a bizarre reason.
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Because Wilder missed a Covid-19 test on Thursday during his talks about leaving he is banned from entering the ‘bubble.’
Wilder had considered leaving before the developments last week, but he would only have gone with his money paid properly.
We revealed last week that United were looking at waiting until summer and getting away with paying less if they were relegated and his wages dropped.
However a compromise has now been reached that suits all parties and the new regime are already planning for the short-term future.
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Sheffield United next manager odds – Danny Cowley leads market to replace Wilder, Bilic, Howe & Lampard also in contention
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
