James Shield: He's a safe pair of hands but Sheffield United shouldn't let Paul Heckingbottom be left hanging any longer than is necessary

“The next manager is going to be watching,” Paul Heckingbottom told Sheffield United’s players following Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final at Chelsea, his second match in caretaker charge of the visitors.
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He was right. Anyone aspiring to succeed Chris Wilder will have been analysing events during what proved to be a more keenly contested tie than expected. Probably reviewing them over and over again on repeat too. Likewise those managers and head coaches, either out of work right now or currently employed elsewhere, with even the slightest inkling they might be approached.

United might be out of the competition and effectively the Premier League, having entered the international break marooned inside the relegation zone. But whoever is handed the task of trying to fill Wilder’s boots - actually make that bloody ginormous boots given the two promotions he masterminded whilst still at the helm - will want to stamp their mark on the squad they inherit this summer. Which means, in turn, United’s squad still has plenty of incentive to perform. Well, those members who see their futures in South Yorkshire anyway.

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After the lamentable but predictably chaotic display United produced at Leicester City earlier this month - a fixture which took place less than 24 hours after Wilder’s departure had been officially announced following another 24 of not so speculative speculation - Heckingbottom has handled himself with great aplomb since being handed the reins in such difficult circumstances.

Paul Heckingbottom is in caretaker charge of Sheffield United Simon Bellis/SportimagePaul Heckingbottom is in caretaker charge of Sheffield United Simon Bellis/Sportimage
Paul Heckingbottom is in caretaker charge of Sheffield United Simon Bellis/Sportimage

He showed guts by even accepting the offer in the first place, rather than putting as much distance between himself and the situation as possible by continuing his work with the under-23’s. He has handled himself well in the media too, striking exactly the right tone in his messages to both players and supporters alike. Heckingbottom is clearly a safe pair of hands, although some folk have interpreted his comments at Stamford Bridge as an indication that Jason Tindall, parachuted in to work as his de facto assistant, has already been lined up for the role.

That may or not be true. Certainly, United have put enough distance between the former AFC Bournemouth manager and the first team to protect him should things go badly wrong between now and the end of the campaign. A vocal and very visible presence on the touchline in west London, the next two months might actually be Tindall’s audition for the post on a permanent basis. Then again, it might not. Time will tell.

A safe pair of hands, Heckingbottom has provided United’s hierarchy with enough time to wisely and carefully consider their options. Make no mistake, despite the acrimonious nature of his exit, despite United’s terrible habit of washing their dirty linen in public, there will be no shortage of high calibre applicants.

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But United would be advised not to wait too long. Perhaps even striking an pre-contract agreement with their choice before they actually step into the dug-out during pre-season. Deals are already being brokered in the transfer market, ready to be signed when the window reopens later this year.

The Star's Sheffield United writer James ShieldThe Star's Sheffield United writer James Shield
The Star's Sheffield United writer James Shield

United, who would benefit from a little freshening up after such a gruelling campaign, can’t afford to get caught cold when it comes to recruitment. Heckingbottom has shown he can cope if the identity of Wilder’s successor becomes public before it ends in May.

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