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Sheffield United Part Ways with Manager Chris Wilder

Christopher Wilder has left his role as manager of Sheffield United after nearly five years in charge, with Paul Heckingbottom named interim boss until the end of the season.

Wilder, who took over at Bramall Lane in May 2016, held meetings with the board on Friday and agreed his imminent departure on Saturday afternoon, and it has now been confirmed that his tenure has come to an end after the two sides failed to reconcile their differences.

“Being manager of Sheffield United has been a special journey and one I’ll never forget,” Wilder told the club’s website.

“I was delighted to be given the opportunity back in 2016 and have been delighted with the success which we have achieved, including two promotions and a highest-ever Premier League finish.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has contributed to the Club’s accomplishments along the way, including the players, staff and, in particular, the supporters.”

Sheffield United chief executive Stephen Bettis said Wilder’s achievements at Bramall Lane will always be part of the club’s history.

“What Chris has done at the club in the last four years will remain in history forever,” he told the club website.

“It’s been an amazing achievement getting us from League One into the Premier League.

“We had an amazing season last season which surprised a number of people, especially other teams within the league. But Chris will always have that and it’s been a great achievement all-round.”

Former Leeds United manager Heckingbottom has been in charge of the Blades’ U23 since joining them last July and will now step up to take over from Wilder until a permanent appointment is made.