Return To The Championship
Neil Warnock resigned shortly after the relegation, ending his reign as manager after nearly eight years.
Bryan Robson was named as his successor, but was sacked on 14 February 2008 following a goalless draw at previous club West Bromwich Albion, with the Blades languishing in the bottom half of the Championship. Having turned down the chance to become Director of Football at Bramall Lane, Robson left the club altogether.
Kevin Blackwell, who had been assistant manager to Warnock in the first four seasons of his reign, was named as Robson's successor until the end of the season. In the final stages of the season a marked improvement in form was achieved and the Blades finished ninth. Indeed, the play-offs were not mathematically out of reach until the end of the last match of the season. He was confirmed as the permanent successor to Robson with two games of the season remaining, signing a 3 year contract. From Blackwell's initial appointment until the end of the season, only Hull City gained more points than the Blades.
On 25 May 2009, Sheffield United came up against Burnley in the Championship Play-Off final. They lost the match 1–0 and were forced to stay in the Championship for at least the following year. Jamie Ward was sent off during the match after receiving two yellow cards and Lee Hendrie received a red card after the match.
Read more about this topic: History Of Sheffield United F.C.
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