Paul Heckingbottom Fired As Sheffield United Bring Back Former Manager Chris Wilder
Paul Heckingbottom has become the first Premier League manager to lose his job this season after being fired by Sheffield United.
Under Heckingbottom, the Blades took just five points from their opening 14 EPL games of the current campaign.
Those 14 matches included an 8-0 home loss to Newcastle, a 5-0 thrashing at Arsenal in October and another 5-0 defeat, against Burnley, in what proved to be Heckingbottom's final game in charge.
Heckingbottom's departure was confirmed by the club on Tuesday afternoon.
A short club statement read: "Sheffield United can confirm that football manager Paul Heckingbottom has been relieved of his duties.
"Additionally, coaches Stuart McCall and Mark Hudson, have also left the club."
Paul Heckingbottom pictured during his final game as Sheffield United manager, a 5-0 defeat at Burnley
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CEO Stephen Bettis commented within the statement: "Firstly, on behalf of the board of directors, I'd 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.
"His professionalism and dedication have been a credit to the club and I'm sure all Unitedites enjoyed the promotion-winning campaign.
"However, 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.
"It is the club's hope to have a new manager in place before Wednesday evening's fixture against Liverpool."
The club WILL have a new manager, or at least a returning old manager, in place for that game.
Around one hour after news of Heckingbottom's exit had broken, the Blades issued another statement to confirm that former boss Chris Wilder had been rehired.
Wilder previously took charge of 227 games for the South Yorkshire outfit between May 2016 and March 2021, when he left by mutual consent.
Tuesday's second club statement read: "Chris Wilder is the new manager of Sheffield United.
"Former Blades favourite 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 and all will be in the technical area for Wednesday's home fixture against Liverpool."
Manager Chris Wilder pictured during his first press conference after being rehired by Sheffield United
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Wilder said upon his return to Bramall Lane: "Quite simply it was an opportunity which I just couldn't turn down. Just like in 2016, when this club comes calling, it is not something you pass up.
"This 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.
"When I received the call from Stephen (Bettis) asking if I would consider coming back to try and help, I didn't 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.
"My relationship with [club owner] 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's position in the Premier League."
After facing Liverpool on Wednesday, the Blades will host Brenford on Saturday, followed by trips to Chelsea and Aston Villa before Christmas.
Relegation rivals Luton Town will then visit Bramall Lane on Boxing Day.
