Paddy Kenny bemoans Sheffield United after Heckingbottom announcement
It is “strange” that the inexperienced Paul Heckingbottom is still in contention to be the next Sheffield United manager.
That is according to ex-Blades goalkeeper Paddy Kenny, speaking exclusively to Football Insider amid the latest update in United’s hunt for a new boss.
Chief executive Stephen Bettis announced that interim manager Heckingbottom is one of five names actively being considered for the vacant post.
After the statement was made Heckingbottom said: “It was flattering to see that and it’s flattering to be on that list, but it is business as usual for me.”
Heckingbottom has been at the helm since Chris Wilder’s departure in mid-March, winning just one of his seven matches in charge.
Kenny claims the 43-year-old is not the man to spearhead United’s revival as they prepare for life in the Championship next season.
“I think it’s strange, to be honest,” he told Football Insider correspondent Adam Williams.
“Obviously, he knows the players he’s dealing with which is a plus for him. But then again, he did well at Barnsley but struggled at Leeds.
“It’s a tough one to take over a club like Sheffield United and try and get them promoted when he hasn’t got much experience at Championship level.
“It would be difficult for any manager. As I say, it is a strange one. We’ll just have to see how it pans out.”
United have lost their matches under Heckingbottom’s stewardship by an aggregate score of 17-2.
The Blades’ relegation fate was sealed a little over a month after he took charge.
In other news, third team enters race to sign 33-goal Sheffield United target.