Blades turn to Blackwell as Robson departs

KEVIN BLACKWELL was last night appointed as manager of Sheffield United after Bryan Robson turned down the opportunity to become the club’s director of football.

The Coca-Cola Championship club confirmed the departure of both Robson and coach Brian Kidd last night after an unsuccessful nine months with Robson at the helm.

Robson’s under-achievers won just one league match in seven attempts and club plc Kevin McCabe decided to wield the axe.

Robson had met with McCabe and club chairman Terry Robinson in Brussels Wednesday with the multi-millionaire businessman expected to announce a major shake-up among the management.

McCabe held talks with Robson over a new role in the club but confirmed Robson had chosen to bring an end to his nine-month tenure at Bramall Lane where he was given little leeway by fans desperate for a quick return to the top flight.

McCabe expressed his regret last night, saying: “I was keen to see Bryan Robson take up this head of football role but, regrettably, this was not to be and so he departs – along with Brian Kidd – with the best wishes of all at Sheffield United.

“Supporters should not underestimate the sterling and dedicated expertise and time put in by Robson and Kidd in overhauling the whole of the Blades football divisions.”

The Blades lie 16th in the Coca-Cola Championship and have won just nine of their 32 matches under Robson this season. McCabe added: “Bryan goes with our best wishes. Over the last two days I have spent a lot of time reviewing the club’s football matters,” he continued. I had hoped Bryan would take up a new role at the club but in the end that was not to be.’’