Kevin Blackwell has been appointed as manager of Sheffield United after Bryan Robson turned down the chance to become director of football.The Championship club have on Thursday night confirmed the departure of both Robson and coach Brian Kidd after an unsuccessful nine months at the helm.

Robson's under-achievers won just one league match in seven attempts since the return of Crystal Palace manager Neil Warnock to Bramall Lane and club plc Kevin McCabe has decided to act.

McCabe said: "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' footballing divisions."

Former Leeds and Luton manager Blackwell - a former coach at Bramall Lane - has been handed managerial duties until the end of the season and he will be assisted by Sam Ellis.

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