Shortlist of five managers confirmed for Sheffield United job

Shortlist of five managers confirmed for the Sheffield United job and one of those include Paul Heckingbottom, it would seem.

Sheffield United CEO Stephen Bettis has stated that the club now has a five-man shortlist after speaking to a number of potential candidates.

Bettis adds that as part of the search to find a suitable replacement for Chris Wilder, the club has spoken to potential candidates ‘both in this country and abroad’.

He says that after ‘thoroughly exploring every option available’ they have now narrowed down the search to five candidates as they prepare for the Championship next season.

He said: “The process of searching for a new manager to lead Sheffield United next season and beyond continues and remains the biggest priority at Bramall Lane.

“When Paul Heckingbottom was placed as interim manager back in March, we commented that he would remain in charge of team matters until the end of the season.

“The reason for this is that it would give us the time to thoroughly explore every option available to us.

“That remains the case.

“We have spoken to a number of potential candidates, both in this country and abroad, and will continue to do so in the best possible interests of the club.

“Due diligence is an important factor as we strive to appoint the right person to enable us to make a promotion push from the EFL Championship.

“We have now cut our search down to a shortlist of five candidates, which includes Paul Heckingbottom, who has performed commendably in the circumstances, and the board of directors will continue to take time to deliberate whilst the current season remains in progress.

“On behalf of the board, I would like to thank all Unitedites for their patience.”

Oostende manager, Alexander Blessin, remains in the frame to be the new manager of Sheffield United, according to The Examiner.

Answering in his weekly Q&A for the website, respected Sheffield United journalist, Nathan Hemmingham, claims that Blessin remains a person of high interest to the Blades board.

When asked why the Blades have not appointed Blessin, it would seem his visa issues may be a problem, with Hemmingham stating that both Carl Schieber and Stephen Bettis will have done their due diligence on Blessin.

That could potentially see the possibility of if there is a way around the current system which may prevent Blessin from being granted a work-permit.

Blessin has only recently launches a career in management which leaves him falling foul of the current rules and regulations. He has not yet been manager of Oostende for the required period of time, nor does his past at RB Leipzig help him.

However the fact that Blessin remains in the frame suggests Sheffield United do have him in their sights for the moment. Other names, including John Terry and Slavisa Jokanovic, have also been mentioned.

SKY BET CURRENT FAVOURITES:

Slavisa Jokanovic – 1/1
Alexander Blessin – 15/8
Jason Tindall – 6/1
Eddie Howe – 8/1
John Terry – 14/1
Steve Bruce – 16/1

Let’s not sugar coat it Kate…if PH is the owners choice it says a lot about the owners ambitions for our club & answers a lot of questions about him 🤦

— annies_song_ (@Annies_song_) April 28, 2021

Fans reacted after seeing a shortlist of five managers confirmed for Sheffield United job…

@AlanfidJames: Yes cheapest option !! But what’s more worrying is that if PH gets job we could go into next season with a manager who’s played 10 or so games winning possible only one !! What a disastrous start to next season !! Needs clear out and new start

@Jamesfletcher82: He might have impressed behind the scenes but he hasn’t impressed me on the pitch

@Gaz6wheeler: Yes the box that would say, cheapest option

@tofftown: Certain boxes = for nowt as in cheap works on a budget he’s there man

@RobBrow87970296: Always been impressed with him even at Barnsley, he reshaped the team and played good football. It’s very difficult for any manger to come in next season. The team needs a new identity and some players will leave.

@EyeEyeHockey: He doesn’t tick any of mine!

@Fonzyy97: If this happens then any credibility the board currently has will be gone, a failed manager that’s stepped in and done an average job in an impossible situation, if blessin isn’t possible then Jokanovic clear contender

@PaulBramall1: Just seen what Bettis has said and not wanting to jump in on him as he could be telling the media anything. I’m possibly old fashioned but I don’t like managerial shortlists. As a board you should know your man and go for him. If he doesn’t come start again #twitterblades

@higgis4: It’s going to Heckingbottom isn’t it. #twitterblades

@Adam70433875: Ffs. Heckingbottom isn’t exactly ecstatic when questioned about the job and besides playing youth, hasn’t really shown success in any job besides Barnsley. I like him but i really hope they don’t go for the cheap option

@PhillipFlinders: They thank us for our patience do they? mine’s running thin at the mo!

@hblades05: Anyone feel a cheap option coming on?

@simon_binns: PH seems a decent enough bloke, stepped in when asked at a difficult time for the club. But he’s not the man I want at the helm, I’d rather have a shortlist of 4. As for SB, his time is up.

@DarrenBriggs22: Thought Paul said he’s not interested in the job??

@weststeve563: Correct me if I’m wrong but didn’t hecky say that this moment in time he isn’t looking to become a manger due to personal issues at home an that he’s happy to continue with the under 23’s after this season is over. Nice bloke wish him all the best but he ain’t what we need

@ChrisHu45292304: Like I said earlier this will become a “Cluster F***” where the fans will be totally ignored. Its all about £’s and who selects the squad. That’s how this will pan out!

@Jamesfletcher82: Next few games could be crucial for him but so far I’ve been very unimpressed with his selection, tactics & subs. As good as it was to win on Saturday we have to accept Brighton had an off day #twitterblades

@J85698184: Please not Heckingbottom

@shorehamblade89: Club is at a crossroads. This appointment will speak volumes about the owners intentions moving forward. Heckinbottom isn’t the answer #twitterblades

@Reecetheblade: Jokanovic, Blessin, Howe, heckingbottom, Tindall any fucking money and if the cunt appoints either heckingbottom or Tindall then I’m fucking done, they’ve proven over the last 6 games their not capable of the job

@garytheblade: I trust Bettis about as far as I could throw him. Loathsome character

@senlacblade: You just know that his mate Tindall is going to get it don’t you

@Justin300212: I like him and he is doing a good job in a very difficult situation but no

@allip75: No no no and again NO. No disrespect to PH but we need somebody big to attract quality and hopefully keep the quality we have.

@JakeCuthbert4: If he gets the job I give up.

pic.twitter.com/iKQbMxuUVc

— TheBlades (@skibumg) April 28, 2021