Sheffield United fans will welcome back a familiar face to the club as Chris Wilder returns to the Bramall Lane dugout in the immediate aftermath of Paul Heckingbottom’s sacking. Wilder, who is also a former Blades player, has agreed an 18-month deal to return to the managerial hot seat with the hopes of saving Sheffield United from the prospect of relegation to the second tier of English football.
The 56-year-old is a huge fan favourite from his last spell at the club which ran from 2016 to 2021. During those five years he is credited with leading Sheffield United to two promotions in three seasons as the club climbed from League One into the Premier League.
Wilder also spearheaded the club to a ninth place finish on their return to the top-flight, which was the club’s highest place since 1991/92, a year before the inaugural Premier League season. Both Wilder and the Blades have had mixed fortunes since his departure in March 2021, but does he have what it takes to reignite the spark at Bramall Lane or will his decision to return be a misjudgement?
Here we examine the record of other Premier League managers who have had multiple spells at the same club and whether they were a roaring success or a failure.
5. Jose Mourinho: Chelsea (2004-08), (2013-15)
The self-proclaimed Special One arrived in England in 2004 and helped his team dethrone Arsenal’s invincibles in his first season - winning the Premier League title in 2004/05 with a then record points tally of 95. Chelsea defended the league title the following season and added to their trophy tally in 2006/07 by lifting both the League Cup and FA Cup. More silverware followed in his second spell at the club and he lifted the Premier League and League Cup double in 2014/15. (Getty Images) | Getty Images
6. Eddie Howe: Bournemouth (2008-2011), (2012-2020)
Howe arrived at Bournemouth in December 2008 with the club marooned in the relegation places of League Two after a 17 point deduction at the start of the season. Howe, who was the youngest manager in the Football League at the time, quickly revitalised the club’s fortunes and steered them to safety that same season. He led the club to promotion just a year later in 2009/10 despite the club having a transfer embargo at the time. Howe rejoined the Cherries less than two years later. He continued where he left off and helped guide the club to two further promotions in three seasons - reaching the Premier League for the first time in the club's history. They remained in the top-flight for five seasons before his departure. (Getty Images) | Getty Images
7. Kenny Dalglish: Liverpool (1985-1991), (2011-2012)
The Scottish star guided Liverpool to three league titles in his first spell as a manager - adding to the five he had already won as a player. Dalglish made a shock return to Liverpool 20 years later and added to his trophy cabinet with a League Cup triumph. However, he was sacked after an eighth place finish in the league. (Getty Images) | Liverpool FC via Getty Images
8. Harry Redknapp: Portsmouth (2002-04), (2005-2008)
Harry Redknapp’s Portsmouth won promotion to the Premier League in the 2002/03 campaign and guiding them to a 13th place finish a year later. He was dubbed 'Judas' by some fans when he joined Southampton the following season. Redknapp redeemed himsefl at Fratton Park by pulling off a great escape in 2005/2006. Redknapp also guided Portsmouth to their first ever major trophy in 2008 by beating Cardiff in the FA Cup final. (Getty Images) | Getty Images