Sheffield United Sacks Head Coach, Paul Heckingbottom, Appoints Chris Wilder As Replacement
Premier League side, Sheffield United has sacked its head coach, Paul Heckingbottom and has appointed former manager Chris Wilder as his replacement, the club owner, Prince Abdullah has confirmed.
The Blades are bottom of the Premier League with five points after losing 11 of their opening 14 games.
“Chris is very optimistic he can save the season,” Prince Abdullah said.
“He doesn’t think it’s easy, but he thinks it’s still possible.“
Heckingbottom, appointed on a permanent basis in November 2021, guided the club back to the top flight by finishing second in the Championship last season.
But after Saturday’s 5-0 loss to fellow Premier League strugglers Burnley left them four points from safety, the 46-year-old has become the first Premier League manager to be sacked this season.
Following that defeat, Heckingbottom criticised the club for making “financial rather than football decisions” by selling key players in the summer.
He also said United had been “let down” by some players at Burnley, after the Clarets moved off the bottom of the table at United’s expense.
On the decision to sack Heckingbottom, Prince Abdullah said: “I felt like after the last few games it was a necessary decision. 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.”
The Blades, who have won only once this season and have a goal difference of minus 28, host second-placed Liverpool at Bramall Lane on Wednesday.
