'Legend' - Sheffield United star sends message to Alan Knill following Bramall Lane exit
Sheffield United midfielder Oliver Arblaster has issued a heartfelt message following the departure of Alan Knill.
Sheffield United midfielder Oliver Arblaster has described Alan Knill as a “legend” following his departure from Bramall Lane.
United, earlier this week, announced details of a restructure to their coaching team, confirming Knill, alongside first team coach Guilherme Ramos, had left the club. The Star revealed earlier this month that Knill was set to move on and that he was shocked when he discovered the news.
The 61-year-old was a long-time assistant of Blades boss Chris Wilder. As well as working together at Bramall Lane, the duo worked alongside each other at the likes of Northampton Town, Middlesbrough and Watford.
Knill returned to S2 last September alongside Wilder after the latter answered the Blades’ SOS call following their disastrous start to the campaign under former boss Rubén Sellés, who lost each of his six games in charge.
Knill was a popular figure throughout his time in S2, playing a key role in United’s promotion to the Premier League in 2018/19. Micky Collins has stepped up to replace him, being installed as Wilder’s new assistant ahead of the upcoming campaign.
Following confirmation of his departure, the Blades posted a series of images on their Instagram page in honour of Knill, and the post attracted a plethora of comments wishing him well. Academy graduate Arblaster was among those to react, posting a short but emotional message.
He wrote: “What a legend of a guy!” He accompanied his sentence with a heart emoji, signifying how highly he thinks of him.
Knill, The Star understands, has left Bramall Lane because COH Sports have an eye on the future. Former Manchester United and England defender Phil Jones has been added to Wilder’s backroom team, arriving after a recent stint at Blackburn Rovers.
Wilder said of Kill’s departure: "My association with Alan goes back many years and he has been pivotal to the success we have had together. He's not only been a brilliant coach but also a great confidant.
“He departs with our gratitude and best wishes for the future.”