Sheffield United news RECAP: Heckingbottom on shortlist to replace Wilder | Latest on Blades' search | How Ramsdale turned his fortunes around

It’s been another busy day of Sheffield United news, with the Blades this evening confirming that Paul Heckingbottom features on a five-name shortlist to replace Chris Wilder at Bramall Lane.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Chief executive Stephen Bettis confirmed that United are doing due diligence on five candidates, both from England and abroad.

Here’s a rundown of the day’s Blades stories, brought to you by your dedicated United team at The Star.

Paul Heckingbottom is on five-man shortlist to be next Sheffield United manager as Blades offer update on search for next boss

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The former Barnsley and Leeds manager has impressed the Bramall Lane hierarchy since taking caretaker charge of United after Chris Wilder’s departure last month.

United have spoken to “a number” of potential candidates, both in England and overseas, according to chief executive Stephen Bettis.

United are doing their due diligence to ensure the right appointment is made at a crucial time for the club, with relegation from the Premier League confirmed recently.

Sheffield United's chief executive Steve Bettis: Scott MerryleesSheffield United's chief executive Steve Bettis: Scott Merrylees
Sheffield United's chief executive Steve Bettis: Scott Merrylees

13 random photos of Sheffield United fans' matchday routine ahead of possible return of supporters next month

After over a year, some Sheffield United fans could return to Bramall Lane next month if the government goes ahead with plans to allow 10,000 fans into the last game of the Premier League season.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It’s been far too long since we were all allowed into United’s home stadium – so here are 13 random photographs of fans’ matchday routines to get you in the mood for a possible return.

The key box Sheffield United will demand their next manager can tick

Sheffield United are expected to encourage candidates vying to take charge of the club next season to consider embracing the 3-5-2 formation favoured by former manager Chris Wilder in an attempt to avoid a major overhaul of their first team squad.

Nearly seven weeks after parting company with the 53-year-old following a series of disagreements and transfer and recruitment strategy, United have still yet to confirm the identity of his permanent replacement despite identifying several potential options.

Alan Biggs: Confidence in Sheffield United’s plan to bounce back has declined

When Sheffield United were promoted to the Premier League relegation was part of “The Plan.” Part of a larger plan, that is.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

For instance, I understand there is a 50% wage cut built into all playing contracts.

Is that plan - to have the strength to bounce back quickly - still intact? How damaging the events in between?

The challenge for owner Prince Abdullah - and no flinching from this - is to ensure that the Blades’ billing as a resilient Burnley or Norwich has not been ripped up by the loss of the manager who created it.

From Sheffield United scapegoat to star man - How Aaron Ramsdale turned around his fortunes

After being unfairly castigated for his apparent part in Sheffield United’s shocking start to the season, it speaks volumes for both Aaron Ramsdale’s ability and character that he has turned his fortunes around – to the point that he is one of a handful of viable candidates for the Blades’ player of the year award.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The last two seasons have been probably as tough as anything Ramsdale will face in his career, with back-to-back relegations with Bournemouth and the Blades.

But he picked up the Cherries’ player of the year gong last season and realistically, only David McGoldrick can challenge him this time around in a campaign to forget for the club.

'Go out there and express yourselves' Sheffield United's players are told ahead of Spurs test

Sheffield United’s players will be encouraged to express themselves during the final five games of their season, with Paul Heckingbottom insisting it is vital they “enjoy” what for some could be a last taste of life as a Premier League footballer.

Read More
'Go out there and express yourselves' Sheffield United's players are told ahead ...

Sheffield United caretaker Paul Heckingbottom reveals what has hurt him the most since taking charge

Paul Heckingbottom has admitted listening to Sheffield United’s players being criticised for their performances in the Premier League this season was an excruciating experience, because he knows how much they care about the club.

What Sheffield United stand for and the personality traits their new manager must possess

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Every weekday morning, after stepping inside the Covid-19 cordon wrapped around the Steelphalt Academy, Paul Heckingbottom is reminded of the qualities and the values which helped Sheffield United reach the Premier League.

His former colleague Chris Wilder wasn’t a fan of posters emblazoned with motivational messages. But the 53-year-old, who twice led the club to promotion before waving goodbye last month, was prepared to make exceptions. Which explains why, having decamped to the first team building after being placed in interim charge, Heckingbottom had no need to take a crash course in what makes its inhabitants tick.

“Sheffield United will stand for different things to different people but there’s definitely some non-negotiables,” Heckingbottom replied, when asked what United means to him. “There’s certain things plastered all over the wall here, in terms of our values. They are always try to out-run the opposition, never be out-fought and always give everything. I really like that.”

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.