One Heck of a Blades comeback

NEW boss Paul Heckingbottom has well and truly turned Sheffield United around.

Slavisa Jokanovic was sacked by the South Yorkshire side at the end of November after a poor return of six wins from his 19 Championship games in charge.

Just two victories in his last seven games – against relegation-threatened Barnsley and Reading – proved the final straw as ‘Hecky’ (above) was promoted from Under-23 coach on a four-and-ahalf-year deal.

And his latest triumph was a 1-0 win at high-flying Fulham as he made it three wins in a row since taking the reins.

The Blades are now just three points off the coveted play-off spots after winning their last four games.

And striker Iliman Ndiaye, who scored the winner at Craven Cottage, admitted: “It feels like a new beginning for us. We just have to carry on from here now.

“You can see there’s been a change. No disrespect to the old manager, but we’ve gone back to a style of play which is easier for us.”

But Heckingbottom (above) warned against complacency after sparking his side’s fruitful run of form.

“I think Sheffield United are back!” insisted Heckingbottom. “But the moment we drop off that level of commitment we’ll come unstuck again.”

Preston are another club under a new boss, with Ryan Lowe now at the helm at Deepdale.

Lowe made a winning start himself after jumping ship from League One play-off contenders Plymouth Argyle.

North End were in danger of letting another season slip into mid-table mediocrity under Frankie Mcavoy.

The Lilywhites beat troubled Barnsley in Lowe’s first game in the dugout.

And midfielder Ryan Ledson said: “To a certain extent, we needed a fresh start, a burst of energy and a revamp, a few new ideas.

“That is nothing against Frankie, he was brilliant for me and a great fella. Managers leaving is one of the harsh realities of football.”