Sheffield United have confirmed the reappointment of Chris Wilder as manager, replacing Paul Heckingbottom, who was sacked after the team slipped to the bottom of the Premier League. Wilder, a boyhood fan, returns nearly three years after leaving the club.
Owner Prince Abdullah expressed strong support for Wilder, calling him "the best guy on planet Earth to take over the club" and saying the relationship with the manager was repaired long ago. He also paid tribute to Heckingbottom, praising him as "a very classy guy."
Wilder said he was "more enthusiastic and determined than ever" and accepted the challenge despite United's poor form. He acknowledged the team are up against it but insisted he can make a difference.
Heckingbottom's dismissal follows a 5-0 defeat at Burnley and leaves United with one win in 14 league games. He had guided the club to promotion last season but lost key players Iliman Ndiaye and Sander Berge before the campaign.
Wilder's first match in charge will be at home to Liverpool on Wednesday. He previously led United to the Premier League in 2019 but left by mutual consent in March 2021 after a decline in results. Coaches Stuart McCall and Mark Hudson have also departed.
