Paul Heckingbottom’s big claim about his Sheffield United future and club’s long-term plans

Boss could come under more pressure if Blades don’t beat Wolves this afternoon

Paul Heckingbottom believes he is “100 per cent” the man to continue taking Sheffield United forwards into the future, even if they are relegated from the Premier League this season. Heckingbottom is facing intense pressure and scrutiny after United took one point from their first 10 games.

That outside “noise” is creating a distraction for Heckingbottom and his players, the manager admitted, although he concedes that it goes with the territory for a team in a run of form like United’s. The Bramall Lane board have so far kept faith with a man they appointed in 2021 to oversee a long-term plan, with emphasis on making United a self-sustainable club and bringing through academy players.

Heckingbottom has certainly not been scared to blood youngsters, with 17-year-old Ryan One the latest to taste Premier League football last weekend at the Emirates. He is also driving the Blades forward off the pitch, as they look to improve their training facilities to become a category one academy and also re-open the hotel at Bramall Lane, alongside looking to turn around their fortunes on it.

Asked ahead of today’s crunch clash with Wolves whether he still believes he is the man to take the club forward beyond this season, no matter United’s divisional status, Heckingbottom conceded the decision was out of his hands. “Could I do that? Yes, 100 per cent,” he added. “I think everyone could see the changes and how that would benefit.