Former Hibs boss on five-man shortlist for manager role at relegated English Premier League side Sheffield United

Sheffield United have confirmed former Hibs boss Paul Heckingbottom is among the last five candidates in the running to replace Chris Wilder at Bramall Lane.

Heckingbottom has been in temporary charge of the Blades at the bottom of the English Premier League since they parted company with Wilder last month.

United have spoken to “a number” of potential candidates, both in England and overseas, according to chief executive Stephen Bettis and The Sheffield Star reports Heckingbotham is still in the running as the shortlist is whittled down to five potential new managers.

Hibernian manager Paul Heckingbottom took charge of Hibs in the Betfred Cup semi final match against Celtic at Hampden in 2019. (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group)

As well as his spell at Easter Road, Heckingbottom has also managed Barnsley and Leeds and was recently in charge of the U23 side at United before stepping into the first-team breach on a temporary basis.

Sheffield United chief executive Stephen Bettis 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 it would give us time to thoroughly explore every option available to us.

“That remains the case. 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 will continue to take time to deliberate whilst the current season remains in progress."

Heckingbottom was in charge at Hibs for 32 games after replacing Neil Lennon. Under his management the club won 13 and drew 10.

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