Sheffield United coach discusses impact of former Watford manager since his arrival

Paul Heckingbottom introduced the former Watford and England U21 manager to his backroom staff at the turn of the year. 

As part of a larger reshuffle, the 51-year old joined the club alongside the Academy boss Jack Lester in Heckingbottom’s coaching team. 

Lester has praised Boothroyd’s addition to the club, claiming that he has brought a wealth of experience to the club.

Boothroyd has been promoted as a Championship manager in the past and spent seven years managing the England youth setup. 

Lester also believes Boothroyd has been a valuable addition for guiding the coaching staff, as well as the players. 

“He’s brought a lot of experience,” said Lester, via Yorkshire Live. 

“Myself and Paul going upstairs we wanted to bring an experienced head down there, someone who we can bounce ideas off.

“As a manager he’s been promoted into the Premier League himself, worked at the top level as a youth coach in the England set up and all those experiences I think are just so valuable. 

“He can mentor the staff, mentor the players. He knows what the top, top level of youth football looks like. It was a no-brainer to bring that experience and knowledge into the building and help develop our programme and help develop our players.”

Although his role is one of mentor, Boothroyd is also actively involved in the coaching of the younger players. 

“And it’s credit to the club for the hard work that has gone off at the Randox Health Academy in recent years that Boothroyd is suitably impressed with what he’s walked into.”

United have turned their season around with the permanent appointment of Heckingbottom midway through the campaign. 

Slavisa Jokanovic had left the side toiling away in mid-table before his dismissal.

But Heckingbottom