Sheffield United are urged to make a quick managerial appointment

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After being handed the reins on an interim basis following Chris Wilder’s departure nearly two months ago, the former Barnsley, Leeds and Hibernian chief has been asked to help devise a strategy capable of helping United regain top-flight status at the first attempt during a series of consultation meetings with Bramall Lane’s board of directors.

Despite being named as potential successor to Wilder by chief executive Steve Bettis, Heckingbottom is again expected to play down suggestions he is set to be handed the task of helping United rehain top-flight status at the first attempt ahead of Saturday’s game against Crystal Palace.

However, the 43-year-old has accepted it will be impossible to begin recruiting players or deciding who can leave until the identity of Wilder’s replacement is known.

Sheffield United's Interim manager Paul Heckingbottom reacts during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Sheffield United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, on May 2, 2021. (Photo by Justin Setterfield / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by JUSTIN SETTERFIELD/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

“There’s things we can look at and talk about,” said Heckingbottom, who acknowledged a quick appointment would be “preferable” soon after United’s demotion was confirmed. “There’s things that need to be in place and worked on so whoever does take over from Chris has the best possible start and can immediately get on with doing the most important parts of their job.

“But they’ll also want to put their own stamp, their own mark if you like, on things; particularly when it comes to the make-up of the squad.”

With concerns that Oostende head coach Alexander Blessin won’t qualify for a work permit and Slavisa Jokanovic seemingly no closer to being invited to discuss the vacancy, United owner HRH Prince Abdullah bin Musa’ad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and his inner circle are seriously considering asking Heckingbottom to lead the team through the Championship season.

Speaking before last weekend’s defeat by Tottenham Hotspur, Heckingbottom tried to distance himself from the post by revealing how he ensured he could return to his old job with United’s under-23 team when his spell at the helm ends.

Paul Heckingbottom temporary manager of Sheffield Utd with Stephen Bettis during the Premier League match at the King Power Stadium, Leicester. Picture date: 14th March 2021. Picture credit should read: Darren Staples/Sportimage

But after being impressed with how he has played what was a terribly difficult hand, Prince Abdullah and his footballing advisor Jan van Winckel could summon Heckingbottom for more details talks shortly.