Sheffield United sack Heckingbottom, Wilder returns

:Bottom club Sheffield United parted ways with Paul Heckingbottom on Tuesday with former manager Chris Wilder returning to lead the Premier League club's battle against relegation.

Heckingbottom is the first Premier League managerial casualty this term, although Julen Lopetegui left Wolverhampton Wanderers three days before the start of the season.

"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," United's CEO Stephen Bettis said in a statement.

"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."

Wilder will be in the technical area for Wednesday's home clash with Liverpool after agreeing an 18-month contract.

A former Sheffield United player, Wilder guided the Yorkshire club back to the Premier League in 2019 after consecutive promotions and achieved a ninth-placed finish having at one stage been in contention for European qualification.

However, the second season proved more difficult and Wilder left the club in 2021.

"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," he told the club's website.

"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."

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