Jason Tindall's role with Sheffield United is explained, as he is credited with making a positive impact

Approaching the end of his second week at Bramall Lane after being hired following Wilder’s departure earlier this month, Tindall was a vocal presence on the touchline during Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final at Chelsea - where United impressed despite eventually exiting the competition at the quarter-final stage.

Placed in temporary charge until the end of the season, Heckingbottom appeared to distance himself from suggestions he could emerge as a candidate to succeed the 53-year-old before the trip to Stamford Bridge.

Despite admitting the nature of his role limits the type of changes he can introduce, Heckingbottom nevertheless praised Tindall’s early work at the Steelphalt Academy.

“Jason’s been good,” he said. “He only came in properly on the Tuesday before (Chelsea) and he’s in until the end of the season.

“It’s a different voice. It’s a different person for the players to lean on.

“Some players need that. Some aren’t comfortable speaking to the person who picks the team, whereas others are.”

Tindall spent six months in charge of AFC Bournemouth, where he also served as Eddie Howe’s assistant, before leaving the south coast club earlier this term. Aged 43 and a former player at Dean Court, Tindall also managed Weymouth before linking up with Howe, who remains out of work after resigning his position by mutual consent following Bournemouth’s relegation from the Premier League in July.

United, who return to action following the international break with a Yorkshire derby against Leeds, also appear destined to go down after finding themselves 14 points adrift of safety with only nine matches remaining.

Wilder, who as The Star first revealed could interest West Bromwich Albion if they part company with Sam Allardyce this summer, left United following a difference of opinion over recruitment and development strategy with members of the board. Celtic and Newcastle have also been mooted as possible destinations for Wilder, who twice led United to promotion after being appointed in May 2016.

Slavisa Jokanovic, currently of Al-Gharafa, would be a popular choice among supporters following his success at Watford and Fulham.

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