Blades co-owner McCabe delighted with Chris Wilder appointment

Wilder today quit the Cobblers to take the helm at his hometown club, and he is taking assistant Alan Knill and head of sports science Matt Prestridge with him.

Just days after steering Town to a stunning Sky Bet League Two title success, winning the league by 13 points, Wilder has headed home and says he wants to make Bramall Lane ‘an intimidating place’.

Sheffield United sacked Nigel Adkins on Thursday morning to make way for Wilder, and McCabe said: “We are delighted to appoint Chris, he has a fantastic reputation.

“He understands the ethos of our club and is a modern 21st century manager

“We are aware that Chris is popular with the supporters, however, this is not a sentimental appointment, he has a proven track record and is hungry to bring success to the Blades.

“He has a vision of success, knows what is required by the supporters and we will assist him as much as we can.

“Early talks have been positive and we look forward to a new era at Bramall Lane.”

Wilder, who played more than 100 games for Sheffield United, has never made any secret of his love for the club, and after agreeing a three-year contract, he said: “A lot of supporters already know me and those who don’t will soon realise that I am loyal, hard-working, straight-talking, thorough and whole-hearted in everything that I do.

“Obviously, people know my connection with the club as a supporter and former player and I want Bramall Lane to return to be an intimidating place - I don’t want the players to feel it is a burden, playing in front of 20,000 fans.

“I understand the club, not just the playing side, but from the board to the Academy, including the key personnel such as Travis Binnion, John Dungworth and Mick Wadsworth, who have all enjoyed success this season.

“Alan Knill will be joining the club too, we have worked together for a long-time and he has been instrumental in the success at Northampton Town.”