Sheffield United’s curtain may have fallen on their Premier League reign in their second season as a top-flight club, but they are still in the hunt for a new manager following Chris Wilder’s exit almost two months ago, with the Blades expected to make a further step forward in naming a successor.
Interim coach Paul Heckingbottom has carried on the reigns since Wilder’s departure on 14th March, with results continue to slump. With three Premier League matches remaining, the Blades are rock bottom and will play Championship football next season.
There have been several names thrown into the managerial circus, with Heckingbottom also in contention. However, Sheffield Star journalist James Shield believes that the Blades will approach former Watford and Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic this week with the possibility of becoming the next man in the hot seat. If he is appointed, he would become the club’s first appointed foreign manager.
Sheffield United are expected to try an set up a meeting with Slavisa Jokanovic to discuss the managerial vacancy at Bramall Lane, according to sources within the game. #sufc #twitterblades https://t.co/JT0I62F4yz
— James Shield (@JamesShield1) May 8, 2021
Recruiting players will be high on the agenda for any manager. We believe that the squad needs a big revamp to make a serious challenge for promotion next season. And should they achieve it, have a squad that is capable of surviving the first season, again.
Jakonavic may turn to his current club for recruitment, and to a player who is no stranger to English football. Ivory Coast international forward Jonathan Kodja, who has served both Bristol City, and Aston Villa in both the Championship, and in the Premier League.
Kodja, 31, signed for Qatar club Al-Gharafa in January 2020 in a two and a half year deal, and made an immediate impression, scoring a hat-trick on his debut against Al-Rayyan. This season, the striker has netted 18 times in 30 matches played for The Cheetahs.
The French-born forward is valued at £2.5million by transfermarkt.co.uk, and could prove to be a valued asset should the Blades acquire his services for next season.