Sheffield United are currently struggling, down in the lower echelons of League 1 and are looking for their ninth manager since May 2007. The Blades recently sacked manager David Weir, who only survived for just 13 games, after a poor run of results which left the club 22nd in League 1. The former Scotland international made a good start, with a 2-1 win over Notts County, but Weir didn’t record another win during his tenure. The straw that broke the camel’s back came in a 1-0 home defeat to Hartlepool in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.
Sheffield United are keen to make a quick appointment, but the club need stability after the quick manager changes that have been made in the last 6 and a half years. Below is a look at five of the candidates who could be the next manager of the South Yorkshire club…
1- Nigel Clough: 1/5
The ex-Derby manager is the clear favourite to take the Sheffield United job, according to Sky Bet. Many Derby fans felt Clough was unfairly sacked earlier this season; he had done well over the last four years to keep Derby mid-table despite having a very tight budget. Clough would be an ideal choice to take the Blades job and would offer some much needed stability and Championship experience.
2- Richie Barker: 6/1
The current Crawley manager could prove to be a shrewd choice for the Blades, if they choose to appoint him, despite having spent the early part of his playing career at rival club, Sheffield Wednesday. Barker has steered Crawley to 8th in League 1 and the club have only lost two games so far. Barker has previously acknowledged the fact that Crawley will struggle to gain promotion anytime soon and the idea of managing a much bigger club may appeal to him.
3- Karl Robinson: 14/1
The MK Dons boss is one of the favourites to land the job which is a testament to the very good work he has done for the club in recent seasons. Despite having moved to distance himself from the role in recent days, Robinson’s brand of attractive football will appeal to the Sheffield United fans and the size of the club will appeal to Robinson.
4- Sven Goran Eriksson: 18/1
The ex-England manager is one of the big names being linked to the job. His odds are surprisingly short considering his stature in football and he is believed to be favoured by the club’s wealthy co-owner Prince Abdullah. The 65-year-old is currently working in China but will probably be lured away if the Blades come calling.
5- Neil Warnock: 40/1
Perhaps a surprise candidate, considering he has recently retired, but Warnock enjoyed eight very successful years at Bramall Lane between 1999-2007. A controversial figure, Warnock has enjoyed a lot of success as a manager and may be an ideal choice for the Blades but it is unlikely he will come out of retirement.
Odds courtesy of www.skybet.com
