Sheffield United have confirmed the sacking of manager Nigel Adkins after just one season in charge. The revealed they felt now was ‘the correct time to make a change’ and that they ‘hope to make an appointment shortly’.
The former Southampton, Reading and Scunthorpe United manager has been in the role at Bramall Lane since his appointment in June 2015. An 11th place finish when a stronger campaign was expected looks set to cost him his job with the Blades.
Breaking: Understand #sufc are expected to announce the sacking of manager Nigel Adkins soon. 1/2
— Andy Giddings (@SportGids1) May 12, 2016
Understand #sufc are hoping to appoint Adkins successor before the weekend.
— Andy Giddings (@SportGids1) May 12, 2016
Speculation has been rife over the past few weeks about the future of Adkins. Should they officially dismiss him from his position, it would mean that the red half of Sheffield are searching for their ninth manager in nine years.
It has certainly been a frustrating season for everyone connected with the club. Their highest league position was after five matches when they sat in second place. Since that point they drifted between fifth and 13th spot, but eventually settled in 11th after failing to win any of their last three.
Speaking on the decision to relieve him of his duties, Adkins insists he is ‘very disappointed’ but it still proud to have been manager and wished them the best for the future,
“I am proud and honoured to have been the manager of Sheffield United but saddened to leave after just one season. I am naturally very disappointed not to be able to continue the good work going on behind the scenes, which I am confident will be of benefit to the Club going forward. I wish the Club and the supporters the best of luck for the future.”
The Sheffield Star have since confirmed that Adkins’ sacking was inevitable. Early reports indicate that former player and current title-winning Northampton town manager Chris Wilder is the front-runner to become his successor at Bramall Lane. Wilder was recently in talks to become the next boss at Charlton Athletic, however talks broke down.
