Kevin Blackwell to remain as Sheffield United manager
Kevin Blackwell is to stay on as Sheffield United manager despite the club's Championship play-off final defeat. Blackwell revealed he was considering his future in the aftermath of the Wembley loss against Burnley, but following talks with Blades chairman, Kevin McCabe, the former Luton and Leeds boss will remain in charge next season.
"The club, players and fans all took a blow after the Burnley game. We had been there before and we did not want to see another defeat," said McCabe. "Kevin is no different. He has taken this club forward on the playing side from a difficult position in the league the season before last to the edge of the play-offs.
"This season we have finished third in the league and narrowly missed out on automatic promotion. Defeat in the play-offs is cruel. But I want all Blades to know that the fight goes on and, like me, Kevin is up for the challenge.
"We have had frank and open discussions. Kevin is motivated and, like all at Bramall Lane, is up for the task of getting the Blades promoted next season."
United will lose their Premier League parachute payments next term, which will be their third outside the top flight. Blackwell, who was in charge of Leeds when they lost the 2006 final to Watford, claimed after Monday's 1-0 defeat the club would need rebuilding, and that "it might need someone different to do it".
He added: "I have been in this position before. I know the ramifications. To pick clubs from the floor after this is difficult. It is a gut instinct. I would rather make the decision myself than have it made for me. But I know these decisions will have to be made."
But McCabe maintains the club is in good shape to mount another promotion push next term, with Blackwell at the helm.
"The club does lose its parachute payment for next season but we have built solid financial and off-the-field foundations at Bramall Lane which will enable us to compete," said McCabe. "Our business model will enable us to invest not only at academy level, where we have seen young players like Kyle Walker and Kyle Naughton come through to the first team, but also remain competitive in the transfer market.
"We have exciting plans to further enhance our stadium, and most of all the backing of our supporters who have renewed their season tickets at an unprecedented level."