By ROSS HEPPENSTALL

PAUL HECKINGBOTTOM is prepared to swing the axe as he bids to transform Sheffield United from no-hopers into promotion contenders.

The former Barnsley, Leeds and Hibernian manager was confirmed as the Blades’ new boss on a four-and-ahalf-year deal on Thursday after Slavisa Jokanovic was axed.

Jokanovic only arrived at Bramall Lane in the summer, but with United way off the pace in the Championship, the club’s board pulled the trigger.

Heckingbottom had three months as the Blades’ interim boss at the end of last season after Chris Wilder’s departure, but has now been given the role on a permanent basis after being promoted from Under-23s manager.

The 44-year-old, whose reign begins today at home to Bristol City, said: “I’m not writing this season off. Sometimes the problem is unmotivated players – sometimes it’s more important to get players out than in.

“I believe in this group of players but there’s going to be players who fall by the wayside and that opens the door for someone else.

“Just like when I took over last time, a lot of the problems weren’t football – there was a mindset, a lack of confidence and faith in everything and everyone. And I think it’s a hangover, pure and simple.

“We need to change that and I honestly believe that’s achievable this season. If I actually thought these players were nowhere near, why would I say these things?

“I know the players and I really think that this season can be an exciting one regardless of the start, regardless of where we are right now.

“With a tremendous amount of hard work and no excuses we can be up there competing.”