Sheffield United sack manager Nigel Adkins, Chris Wilder expected to take over

Sheffield United have confirmed the departure of manager Nigel Adkins after just one season in charge.

Former Southampton and Reading boss Adkins, 51, leaves Bramall Lane having failed to get his side into the League One playoffs.

The Blades came fifth last season but took a step back under Adkins with an 11th-place finish in 2015-16.

"I am proud and honoured to have been the manager of Sheffield United but saddened to leave after just one season," Adkins told the club website.

"I am naturally very disappointed not to be able to continue the good work going on behind the scenes, which I am confident will be of benefit to the club going forward."

Multiple reports claim that Northampton Town boss Chris Wilder, who is a lifelong United fan, will succeed Adkins having guided the Cobblers to the League Two title this season.

A Blades statement added: "Nigel is a gentleman and, as proved by his record, a very good manager, but the overriding aim is promotion from League One and the club feels that this is the correct time to make a change.

"We will now begin the process of bringing in a new manager. We hope to make an appointment very shortly, with promotion from this division once again the priority."

Adkins won 22 of his 54 games in charge.