Chris Wilder insisted his relationship with the Sheffield United board had been repaired ‘a long time ago’ after he was confirmed as the club’s new manager.
Wilder has made a sensational return to Bramall lane after the club announced he had succeeded Paul Heckingbottom.
Heckingbottom became the first Premier League boss to be sacked this season on Tuesday with the Blades rooted to the bottom of the Premier League.
His dismissal, which came just three days after Sheffield United suffered a 5-0 drubbing at the hands of Burnley, was confirmed by Sheffield United’s owner Prince Abdullah on talkSPORT before the club later issued a statement.
Wilder, 56, is back at Bramall Lane two-and-a-half years after being dismissed by the Blades and replaced by Heckingbottom, and will be in the dugout for the game at home to Liverpool on Wednesday.
Chris Wilder has returned as manager of Sheffield United to replace Paul Heckingbottom
Wilder, 56, took training on Tuesday after being confirmed as the club’s new boss
Wilder’s first game back in charge of the Blades will be the home clash with Liverpool on Wednesday
Heckingbottom was sacked on Tuesday after their disastrous 5-0 loss at Burnley on Saturday
Alan Knill, Matt Prestridge and former Republic of Ireland international Keith Andrews will be his coaching staff.
‘Quite simply it was an opportunity which I just couldn’t turn down,’ said Wilder. ‘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 from Stephen (Bettis) 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…