Chris Wilder leaves Sheffield United by mutual consent, with the news officially confirmed by the club on Saturday night. Former Leeds boss Paul Heckingbottom has been installed as caretaker manager until the end of the season.
Speculation over Wilder’s future had grown on Friday, with many reports claiming his tenure of almost five years had ended.
And 24 hours later, the 53-year-old’s fate was confirmed by the Blades.
Statements
‘Sheffield United confirms that Chris Wilder has left the Club by mutual consent,’ they wrote on their club website.
‘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.
‘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, who enjoyed great success after taking charge of his boyhood club in 2016 and guiding them from League One to the top flight, leaves with the Blades bottom of the Premier League. They’re currently on 14 points, 12 adrift of safety with only 10 matches of the season left.
In quotes published underneath the statement, he expressed his gratitude at being in the Bramall Lane hotseat.
‘Being manager of Sheffield United has been a special journey and one I’ll never forget,’ he said.
‘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.’
How did it come to this?
Tensions between Wilder and club owner Abdullah Bin Musa’ad Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud had heightened recently.
Only last week, Wilder stated he did not know if he would still be in charge next season. This was despite confirming he wanted to remain at Bramall Lane if the board and owners ‘stick to the plan’.
Paul Heckingbottom is now caretaker manager
Former Barnsley, Leeds and Hibernian boss Heckingbottom had been in charge of the Blades’ Under 23s. He will now be assisted by ex-Bournemouth manager Jason Tindall who joins Alan Knill as part of the backroom staff.
His first game in charge will be a tricky trip to high-flying Leicester City. The Foxes sit third and are looking to cement a top-four finish this campaign.
