Sheffield United has removed Paul Heckingbottom as the first Premier League manager to face the sack this season, with Chris Wilder returning to the club as his successor.
Heckingbottom, 46, faced dismissal after Sheffield United amassed just five points from their opening 14 matches, securing only one win—a controversial 2-1 victory against Wolves at home last month. The final blow came in a 5-0 defeat against Burnley on Saturday, prompting the club to confirm the decision on Tuesday.
In an official statement, Sheffield United announced, “Football manager Paul Heckingbottom has been relieved of his duties. Additionally, coaches Stuart McCall and Mark Hudson have also left the club.”
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CEO Stephen Bettis expressed gratitude to Heckingbottom for his efforts but cited the need for change to boost the club’s chances of remaining in the Premier League. The club subsequently reinstated Chris Wilder as manager, with his first match in the new tenure scheduled at home against Liverpool on Wednesday.
“Chris Wilder is the new manager of Sheffield United,” stated a follow-up club statement. “Former Blades favorite Wilder returns on a contract until the summer of 2025. Alan Knill, Matt Prestridge, and former Republic of Ireland international Keith Andrews will assist Wilder, all present in the technical area for Wednesday’s home fixture against Liverpool.”
Wilder expressed his excitement about returning to Sheffield United, emphasizing the opportunity to make a positive impact despite the challenging position. He acknowledged the club’s significance to him and highlighted the unity with the board as crucial for working together to improve the Premier League standings.
“When this club comes calling, it is not something you pass up,” Wilder stated. “My relationship with Prince Abdullah and the board was repaired a long time ago. 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.”