Sheffield United confirmed Gary Speed as the new first team manager, stepping up from his previous role.
Speed, who was expected to be handed the position following Kevin Blackwell’s departure was present at a news conference alongside Chief Executive Trevor Birch this afternoon.
Speaking on the appointment, Speed said:
‘I’m delighted that my first managerial role is with the Blades, a club I know well – I’ve enjoyed my two and a half years here. I’d like to thank the Board for putting faith in me to take the club forward following on from Kevin Blackwell’s hard work.’
The former Welsh international, 41, has been given a three-year deal at Bramall Lane in his first full managerial capacity, and whilst Sam Ellis has been asked to stay with the club, it’s thought that a new face will be brought into the coaching team within the coming days.
United’s board were quick to appoint Speed, who flew out to La Manga to meet with the directors on Sunday, and Birch believes it’s a move that will benefit the club greatly.
‘We have moved decisively and quickly to appoint the right man to take Sheffield United forward. He has exciting plans for the club and we will do everything within our power to back him.’
A well respected figure in the game, Speed could bring changes to the club despite his inexperience. United have endured a summer of cut-backs from the board which hindered Kevin Blackwell’s pulling power, but a figure such as Speed could see more players inclined to join the club.
It leaves a lot of questions open, an appointment such as this, and some may be answered sooner than others.
Will United’s style of football change?
Just how much did he learn from Kevin Blackwell?
Can he bring some much needed harmony back to the club?
Will he be a short wearer or a suit type?
If it does all go wrong, what clever name will bladeforlife come up with for him?
Stay tuned to find out…
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