Former Sheffield United boss touted for top Championship job

The Blades could be potentially set to face off against a former Sheffield United manager next season, if they suffer relegation from the Premier League.

Paul Heckingbottom was sacked as the United boss back in December after suffering an abysmal 5-0 thrashing away at relegation rivals Burnley. Days later, Heckingbottom was replaced by the man who originally brought him to the club, Chris Wilder, to work as the academy boss.

When Wilder took charge of Sheffield United for his second spell there was slight optimism that the team would get that “new manager bounce”. While United saw some improvements in performances they were still not getting results over the Christmas and New Year’s period.

Since then, the team have shown far too much inconsistencies. One week they look like they’re capable of putting in solid performances, Luton as an example. Then other’s they have no interest being there,  the Arsenal game for instance.

But Wilder and Heckingbottom could be reunited on the touchline next term as the Barnsley-born manager is being heavily touted for the Sunderland job. Heckingbottom is positioned among the top contenders according to Techopedia, with odds of 9/2 to assume the role permanently.

Providing Sheffield United’s imminent relegation is confirmed, and Sunderland don’t achieve promotion, the two clubs and managers could be rivalling each other in the Championship promotion race next campaign.