SHEFFIELD UNITED have appointed Nigel Clough as their new first team manager.
Clough takes over at Bramall Lane following the sacking of David Weir on October 11.
The 47-year-old was himself sacked less than a month ago, with Derby County dispensing of his services following a inconsistent start to the season.
Clough had been with the Rams for four full seasons, leading them to 14th, 19th, 12th and tenth in the Championship.
Prior to arriving at Pride Park he spent 11 years with Burton Albion, leading them to the Northern Premier League Premier Division title in 2001/02 and helping them establish a sizable lead at the top of the Conference Premier in 2008/09.
Despite Clough leaving the Brewers midway through that campaign, they achieved promotion into the Football League for the first time in their history.
Clough has since gone on to become a respected League manager and Sheffield United's co-chairman – Kevin McCabe and Prince Abdullah bin Mosaad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud – feels he's the right man to take the Blades forward.
Speaking to the club's website, McCabe said: “Nigel has a tremendous pedigree in the game. He brings undoubted experience and can provide stability, energy and confidence to the playing side drawing on his 11 years at Burton Albion followed by over four-and-a-half years with Derby County in the Championship.”
Prince Abdullah bin Mosaad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud added: “Nigel was the clear, first choice of the board. He brings an approach to the game that is well suited to what we are trying to achieve at Sheffield United.
“Nigel has enjoyed managerial success in the game. He knows how to inspire first team players to give their all and has a proven track record of making an academy a key ingredient to the club's success. We count ourselves lucky to have Nigel aboard.”
Clough takes charge of the Blades for the first time this Saturday when they face Crewe Alexandra, who are three points and three places above them in League One.
