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Keith Andrews (file pic). Alamy Stock Photo

Former Ireland number two Andrews joins Sheffield United

The Dubliner will be part of Chris Wilder’s backroom staff.

FORMER IRELAND number two Keith Andrews has been appointed as the new assistant boss at Sheffield United.

The Dubliner worked alongside Stephen Kenny for three years before the FAI announced the management team’s departure last month.

Alongside Alan Knill and Matt Prestridge, Andrews will be part of the new Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder’s backroom staff on a contract until the summer of 2025

The Blades fired Paul Heckingbottom after they slipped to the bottom of the Premier League table, with just five points, after Saturday’s embarrassing 5-0 defeat at Burnley, their 11th reverse in 14 matches.

Wilder returns to the club after leaving his first spell in March 2021 with the Blades on the way to relegation to the Championship and will take charge of Wednesday’s Premier League clash with Liverpool.

The 56-year-old told the club’s website: “Quite simply it was an opportunity which I just couldn’t turn down. Just like in 2016, when this club comes calling, it is not something you pass up.

“This is Sheffield United, it is my team and I am thrilled to be back. We find ourselves in a difficult position, I understand that, but I think I can make a difference.

“When I received the call from Stephen (Bettis) asking if I would consider coming back to try and help, I didn’t have to think about it. People know what this club means to me, and the task now is to try and provide a boost to improve our current situation.

“My relationship with Prince Abdullah and the board was repaired a long time ago. After some time passed following my initial departure, we spoke, met in person and there was an amicable ending. Now, coming back as manager, to know there is a united front again is crucial as we look to work together to improve the club’s position in the Premier League.”

Heckingbottom, who was appointed on a permanent basis in November 2021, guided the club to promotion last term but a torrid start to the season has included an 8-0 home thrashing by Newcastle and a 5-0 defeat at Arsenal.

United chief executive Stephen Bettis said in a statement: “Firstly, on behalf of the board of directors, I’d like to thank Paul for all of his efforts at Sheffield United, firstly as U23s manager before stepping up to take control of first-team duties.

“His professionalism and dedication have been a credit to the club and I’m sure all Unitedites enjoyed the promotion-winning campaign.

“However, after slipping to the bottom of the table and a number of disappointing results and performances, it is felt that a change is needed to give the club a boost and every possible chance of remaining in the Premier League beyond this season.”

First-team coaches Stuart McCall and Mark Hudson have also left the club.

Club owner Prince Abdullah told Talksport that Wilder was “the best guy on planet earth to take over the club right now in these circumstances”.

He said: “Chris is very optimistic he can save the season, he doesn’t think it’s easy, but he thinks it’s still possible.

“When you look at the table it’s a very special year, a very weird year when it comes to the standings, so it’s still early, the season is still long and we have every chance to achieve our goals.”

Additional reporting by Paul Fennessy

Originally published at 13.49; Updated at 17.01

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    Mute Jimmy Pea
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    Jul 17th 2021, 12:44 PM

    Sad, RIP.

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    Mute Brian Dunne
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    Jul 17th 2021, 12:46 PM

    Shocking. Wishing strength to his family.

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    Mute Niall Brady
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    Jul 17th 2021, 12:57 PM

    What a heartbreaking story, my thoughts are with his family and friends

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    Mute Aidan Kearney
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    Jul 17th 2021, 12:58 PM

    Such sad news and so hard to comprehend for his family, teammates, friends and community. RIP young man.

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    Mute ᑕᑎíᑕᕼI
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    Jul 17th 2021, 1:09 PM

    Croíbhriste ar son clann Ogie. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

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    Mute Damian Ryan
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    Jul 17th 2021, 1:05 PM

    Devastating news
    So Sad

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    Mute James Cunningham
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    Jul 17th 2021, 1:05 PM

    What an awful tragedy. Life is so precious.

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    Mute Kevin Cahill
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    Jul 17th 2021, 2:23 PM

    This is a terrible tragedy,just seen a picture of the lad before the start of the match he was playing in and to think he was taken a few hours later ,life can be so cruel,may he Rest In Peace

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    Mute icaniwont
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    Jul 17th 2021, 1:47 PM

    Devastating. Thoughts & love to his family. Rest in peace.

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    Mute Patrick Lavery
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    Jul 17th 2021, 2:12 PM

    Tragic Loss.Ar dheis De go raibh a annam.

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    Mute Finbarr O Donovan
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    Jul 17th 2021, 2:25 PM

    So sad. RIP

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    Mute Oriel Man
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    Jul 17th 2021, 7:49 PM

    Rest in peace!!
    Super young lad by all accounts. Sadly missed by Monaghan, sport and most importantly his friends and family.

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    Mute Fiona Krijnen
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    Jul 17th 2021, 11:44 PM

    My heartfelt condolences to the family.

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    Mute John Kennedy
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    Jul 17th 2021, 10:55 PM

    Awful , RIP

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    Mute Trevor Connolly
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    Jul 18th 2021, 11:51 AM

    So sad, rip young man

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