Chris Wilder is BACK at Sheffield United as the club confirm the appointment of their former boss to replace the sacked Paul Heckingbottom

Chris Wilder insisted his relationship with the Sheffield United board had been repaired ‘a long time ago’ after he was confirmed as the club’s new manager on Tuesday.

Wilder has made a sensational return to Bramall lane after the club announced he has succeeded Paul Heckingbottom.

Heckingbottom became the first Premier League boss to be sacked this season on Tuesday with the Blades rooted to the bottom of the Premier League. 

His dismissal, which comes just three days after Sheffield United suffered a 5-0 drubbing at the hands of Burnley, was confirmed by Sheffield United’s owner Prince Abdullah on talkSPORT before the club later issued a statement.

Wilder, 56, is back at Bramall Lane two-and-a-half years after being dismissed by the Blades and replaced by Heckingbottom and will be in the dugout for the game at home to Liverpool on Wednesday.

Heckingbottom was sacked on Tuesday after their disastrous 5-0 loss at Burnley on Saturday

The Blades were humiliated at Turf Moor against a Burnley side that had lost the previous four games and won just once this season in the Premier League 

Alan Knill, Matt Prestridge and former Republic of Ireland international Keith Andrews will be his coaching staff. 

‘Quite simply it was an opportunity which I just couldn’t turn down,’ said Wilder. ‘Just like in 2016, when this club comes calling, it is not something you pass up.

‘This is Sheffield United, it is my team and I am thrilled to be back. We find ourselves in a difficult position, I understand that, but I think I can make a difference.

‘When I received the call from Stephen (Bettis) asking if I would consider coming back to try and help, I didn’t have to think about it. People know what this club means to me, and the task now is to try and provide a boost to improve our current situation.

‘My relationship with Prince Abdullah and the board was repaired a long time ago. After some time passed following my initial departure, we spoke, met in person and there was an amicable ending. 

‘Now, coming back as manager, to know there is a united front again is crucial as we look to work together to improve the club’s position in the Premier League.’

Wilder is much revered at Sheffield United and is considered one of the club’s greatest ever managers. 

‘Chris is practically an honour of the club, he’s part of Sheffield United history,’ Prince Abdullah said. 

‘One thing I always like to do, not just in football but all of my businesses, is to keep a good relationship with my ex-employees no matter how it ended, I think you should get over it.

Wilder, 56, said the opportunity to return to Bramall Lane was ‘too good to turn down’

‘At the end of the day we’re all passionate about what we do and we believe Chris is the right man for the job. Chris has done great things for the club and in my opinion he’s the best guy on planet earth to take over the club right now in these circumstances.’

Mail Sport revealed back in September that Wilder had been sounded out over a shock return to Bramall Lane and, having picked up jut one win since then, has been drafted in to salvage their season and keep the Blades in the Premier League.

Wilder spent five years at the club, between 2016 and 2021, before eventually leaving the club by mutual consent amid the Blades’ struggling league form.

Sheffield United had made the worst ever start to a Premier League season in 2020-21, taking until their 18th game of the season to win a match.

Wilder had led the club from League One up to the top flight after he took charge in 2016. Under Wilder, the Blades finished ninth in their first season back in the big time in 2020.

Wilder’s last role was a short stint as manager of Watford. He was appointed in March and then replaced by Valerien Ismael in May. 

Heckingbottom oversaw a difficult transfer window over the summer, as the Blades waved goodbye to promotion stalwarts Sander Berge and Iliman Ndiaye.

England Under-21 international Cameron Archer arrived from Aston Villa for £18million, while Gustavo Hamer joined from Coventry in a £15m deal and Vini Souza was signed from Belgian side Lommel for £11m and Tom Davies arrived on a free transfer from Everton.

However, the additions have done little to boost the Blades’ form – having scored the fewest goals (11) and conceded the most (39) in the league. 

Heckingbottom admitted after Saturday’s defeat that he was feeling the pressure at Bramall Lane after sections of the away fans started chanting ‘Hecky out’ during the match.

‘If the fans start, it changes the dynamic,’ said Heckingbottom. ‘The fans are right to shout, say we’re not good enough. You can’t kid them. I was as angry as well and almost singing along with them.

‘Burnley would not have been expecting a game like that and neither would I. It was massively disappointing. But I can leave with my head held high. I know how I work.

‘You’re asking the wrong person [about his future]. I’ve had those questions since September.’