Sheffield United's search for a new manager and the attributes candidates must be required to possess

With two promotions, two FA Cup quarter-finals and a ninth placed Premier League finish on his CV, even Wilder’s most venomous of detractors in his former club’s boardroom - and judging by the subjects owner HRH Prince Abdullah bin Musa’ad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chose to discuss during an unprecedented interview with a competition rights-holder last week, he has plenty - must concede he will be a difficult act to follow. Even though, as United prepare to enter Saturday’s derby against Leeds cut adrift inside the relegation zone, this term has proved to be a sobering experience.

Although Paul Heckingbottom has acquitted himself well since being placed in caretaker charge, negotiating as safe a passage as possible through the wreckage caused by Wilder’s exit thanks to some brutally frank interviews, the former Scarborough, Barnsley and Sheffield Wednesday has made it clear he expects to return to his role with United’s under-23’s before United begin life back in the Championship.

Despite failing to shed any fresh light on some vitally important issues, Prince Abdullah’s video call with SKY television remains the best public source of clues about the qualities Wilder’s replacement must possess - other than the ability to deliver results of course - in order to prosper in South Yorkshire.

The Star’s James Shield identifies some of the qualities United must look for before finalising their shortlist and, just as importantly, the pitfalls Prince Abdullah and his advisors must avoid during the selection process.

A KNOWLEDGE OF THE CHAMPIONSHIP

There is no point in pretending otherwise. Barring a miracle of almost biblical proportions, United are going down. So, unless they are going to spend - and big - by second tier standards, someone with an in-depth understanding of the division appears a necessity. Some clubs have prospered by taking a different route. But they are the exceptions rather than the rules. And most of them have either paid high wages in order to attract the type of player who really should be playing at the highest level - think Fulham and Aleksandar Mitrovic - or invested heavily to ensure the best ones at their disposal do not move on. Watford being a prime example.

A PLACID DEMEANOR

Despite offering Wilder’s former assistant Alan Knill the job, or at least something similar, it is now a matter of record that United will not be appointing a director of football next season. Or beyond, according to Prince Abdullah. But their directors clearly do want more influence over recruitment. If they didn’t, then there wouldn’t have been so much frustration when Wilder resisted efforts to make target identification more of a consensus activity. Seeing as they won’t be reporting to someone with a purely technical role, whoever comes in must be happy working closely with members of a board and be ready, on occasion, to be guided by them. Not to mention keep cool when they don’t get their way.

BROAD HORIZONS

United could benefit from scouring overseas transfer markets a little more. The days when these delivered better value for money are long gone. But fishing in a bigger talent pool would increase the chances of catching something big. However, to do this efficiently and intelligently requires a global scouting system. Because the Premier League’s big guns are probably already aware, for example, of the striker who is scoring goals for fun in Ecuador's Serie B. Brentford have excelled at this in recent years. They have also spent a fortune ensuring their research and analysis in this area is up to scratch. United are not at this level yet. Yes, one member of the board is experienced in this field. But in order to circumnavigate the need to spent millions and months expanding their scouting network, United should consider hiring a manager with contacts in different countries.

A PRAGMATIC STREAK

This is a must. For two reasons. Unless a major overhaul is planned, United’s squad has been built to play the Wilder way. Signing some wingers would give the new man at the helm more tactical flexibility. But in order to play a flat back four, at least one new centre-half would almost certainly be required. The ones United have now, although all fine players, appear better suited to playing in a three. Process managers might be the fashion. But one can’t help but wonder, given the fact an immediate return to the PL will be expected, if one of these would be best suited to the job? Probably not. Better, almost certainly, to appoint someone who isn’t wedded to one particular formation. Or, if they are, one which isn’t too dissimilar to the one United have utilised for the best part of five years.

A MOTIVATOR

Players will say all the right things. They’ll take responsibility, or their share of it, for United’s results this season. But make no mistake, none of those who remain will enjoy seeing their wages slashed next term. Some will leave. More will stay. After losing more matches than is healthy since returning to action in September, morale in the dressing room is bound to be low. Addressing this, confronting the issues without further demotivating an already demoralised group, will be key. Making some astute purchases will help. But the new man at the helm needs to be capable of immediately lifting the mood too.

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