Sheff Utd owner announces Chris Wilder as manager in ‘strange’ live radio chat BEFORE sacking Paul Heckingbottom
SHEFFIELD UNITED’S owner confirmed Chris Wilder is the new manager on live national radio – BEFORE officially sacking Paul Heckingbottom.
SunSport revealed yesterday morning that Heckingbottom’s time was up and that the man he initially replaced at Bramall Lane, Wilder, would come back to fill the void.
But with no official announcement communicated by the club, Prince Abdullah was asked about the managerial situation at Bramall Lane when the Blades chief appeared on talkSPORT this morning.
And the Saudi owner confirmed Wilder’s return in the first managerial change of the Premier League season.
Prince Abdullah told Jim White and Simon Jordan: “Yes [I have made the decision].
“Chris is practically an honour of the club, he’s part of Sheffield United history.
“One thing I always like to do, not just in football but all of my businesses, is to keep a good relationship with my ex-employees no matter how it ended, I think you should get over it.
“At the end of the day we’re all passionate about what we do and we believe Chris is the right man for the job.
“Chris has done great things for the club and in my opinion he’s the best guy on planet earth to take over the club right now in these circumstances.
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“Chris is very optimistic he can save the season, he doesn’t think it’s easy, but he thinks it’s still possible.
“When you look at the table it’s a very special year, a very weird year when it comes to the standings, so it’s still early, the season is still long and we have every chance to achieve our goals.”
The radio announcement came before the club’s official confirmation – firstly that Heckingbottom and coaches Stuart McCall and Mark Hudson were out at 12.30pm and then 32 minutes later that Wilder was in on an 18-month contract.
Former Blades defender Wilder was manager from 2016 to 2021, leading the club from League One into the Premier League.
However, upon his dismissal in March 2021, Heckingbottom took over until the end of the season as United were relegated.
Slavisa Jokanovic had a short stint in charge but Heckingbottom returned on a permanent deal in November 2021 and earned promotion last season.
A tough start to the campaign, though, has seen the Yorkshire side pick up just one win and two draws from 14 games to sit rock bottom of the Premier League table – with Liverpool visiting Bramall Lane tomorrow night.
The 11 defeats include 5-0 thrashings against Arsenal and relegation rivals Burnley – as well as that 8-0 mauling at home to Newcastle.
There were chants of “Hecky out” at Turf Moor on Saturday in the match that proved the final straw.
After the last few games it was a necessary decision
Prince Abdullah
Now Prince Abdullah insists he had to make the change to give Sheffield United the best chance of staying in the top flight – with Wilder available after leaving Watford at the end of the 2022-23 season.
The owner – who made £225million from his toilet paper company in the Middle East – added: “I have mixed emotions about letting Paul go.
“I really have a lot of respect for Paul and everything he did for the club, he’s a very classy guy.
“I’ve been at the club for five years and we changed one manager and that was Slav [Slavisa Jokanovic], so we believe in sticking with the manager and supporting him.
“But I felt like after the last few games it was a necessary decision and the replacement has done great things for the club and knows the club, so I feel good about the decision in one way but I really have a tremendous respect for Paul.”
At the time of his talkSPORT appearance, Sheffield United had tweeted just once since full-time at Burnley – and that was to confirm the Blades’ trip to Gillingham in the FA Cup third round.
And that prompted a wave of reaction on social media.
One said: “Respectful words for PH. Strange one, though. Yet to be announced officially!”
Another wrote: “Why nothing from @SheffieldUnited?”
And a third added: “Are we not bothering with any announcement lads?”
‘THIS IS MY TEAM’
When the eventual statement did come, the Blades said: “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.
“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.”
Wilder said: “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 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 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.”
CEO Stephen Bettis added: “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.
“Chris Wilder is the best possible option to give the Blades a change in fortune at this time and everyone at the club is delighted to welcome him back.