Former Striker turned Talksport pundit Chris Iwelumo has praised Paul Heckingbottom’s work at Sheffield United.

The former Scottish international has credited Heckingbottom with the Blades’ recent run of good form that has seen them rise up the Championship table. 

A poor start to this season’s campaign saw Slavisa Jokanovic lose his job as manager last month. 

Sheffield United were hoping to bounce back from Premier League relegation to go straight back up, however it hasn’t quite worked out that well so far.

“Paul Heckingbottom has been in the background, he knows what it’s all about and he’s got a tune out of this fantastic squad,” said Iwelumo on Talksport, via the Star. 

“They’ve been underachieving all season but they’ve kept on, picked up some points and are very much in the running.”

Heckingbottom has turned things around, however, and has won all three of his games in charge as permanent manager of the side. 

Frustratingly, the team have had three games postponed due the outbreak of Covid-19 ripping through the league. 

Heckingbottom’s side are currently 12th in the Championship, and have won their last four games. 

Their next fixture comes against Middlesbrough on January 1. They will face up against former manager Chris Wilder, who is now in charge at the Riverside. 

The Verdict

Sheffield United’s results speak for themselves.

A victory away at Fulham on December 20 was, in particular, a standout result. 

This squad is mostly the same as the one that competed in the Premier League for two seasons, and even finished ninth in 2019-20.

Covid-19 disruption wasn’t helpful in keeping the team’s momentum going, but as long as they can stay focused they should be a force to be reckoned with in the second half of the season.