Sheffield United have confirmed Gary Speed as the club’s new manager.
The Championship outfit parted company with Kevin Blackwell after two and a half years at the weekend following the Carling Cup exit to Hartlepool United and the 3-0 home defeat to Queens Park Rangers in the league.
It was very much expected that Blackwell’s first team coach Speed would take up the role and the club confirmed the 40-year-old former Wales international on a three-year deal on Tuesday.
Speed, whose last club as a player was also the Blades, is delighted with his new role. The former Leeds United, Everton, Newcastle and Bolton player said: "I'm delighted that my first managerial role is with the Blades, a club I know well.
“I've enjoyed my two and a half years here. I'd like to thank the board for putting faith in me to take the club forward following on from Kevin Blackwell's hard work."
United's chief-executive Trevor Birch added: "We have moved decisively and quickly to appoint the right man to take Sheffield United forward. He has exciting plans for the club and we will do everything within our power to back him."
Speed’s first game in charge is away to Middlesbrough on Sunday.