Robson leaves Blades

Robson: Leaves United

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Bryan Robson has left Sheffield United after turning down the opportunity to become a director of football, with Kevin Blackwell named as his successor.

Blackwell has been drafted in as Robson's replacement until the end of the season.

The former Leeds and Luton manager is already well acquainted with the club having been assistant manager there during Neil Warnock's stint as boss.

"I had hoped Bryan would take up a new role at the club but that was not to be," said Sheffield United chairman Kevin McCabe.

"Kevin and Sam (Ellis) are in until the end of the season, when we will take stock.

"They know the situation and how we are determined to take this club forward.

"That will include the pursuit of a football supremo to oversee a new structure."

Robson had come under intense pressure of late over the club's faltering campaign, with some sections of the Bramall Lane faithful having vociferously called for his head.

Earlier on Thursday reports suggested Robson was to be 'moved upstairs' following a meeting with United's plc chairman McCabe and club supremo Terry Robinson in Brussels on Wednesday.

However, Robson has rejected the opportunity to take a director of football role and instead, parted company altogether.

United have endured a poor Championship campaign thus far and currently sit a disappointing 16th and are well off the promotion pace.

50-year-old Robson took charge of The Blades in the summer, less than two-weeks after they were relegated from the Premier League under Neil Warnock.

Brian Kidd has also left the club, while Sam Ellis will assist Blackwell.