Sheffield United assistant manager Alan Knill is reportedly set to depart Bramall Lane in a surprise development. Knill has worked closely with Blades boss Chris Wilder for years, assisting him across three spells at Sheffield United and at clubs such as Middlesbrough and Watford. He returned to Sheffield United for a third spell last September, when Wilder was rehired to replace Ruben Selles in the dugout. Wilder had once been Knill’s assistant, when the latter was in charge of Bury. According to The Star, former Rotherham United manager Knill is set to move on as part of a shake-up at Bramall Lane. The news is said to have come as a shock to the 61-year-old, who has a strong reputation in Sheffield United circles and beyond. It has been claimed the decision has been made by the club hierarchy with an eye on the future, perhaps meaning there could be bigger roles for some of the less experienced figures in Wilder’s team. Only recently did Wilder pay a heartfelt tribute to Knill at The Star’s Football Awards ceremony, describing him as an “incredible partner”. He said: “I’ve known him since I was an apprentice at Southampton when I was 16, and he, as everyone knows, is a proper football guy. He doesn’t get the credit that he deserves. He’s been an incredible partner.” The COH Sports ownership group have shown a strong desire for a new era to be ushered in ever since they completed their takeover of Sheffield United. However, they have experienced a baptism of fire in a rocky start to their reign. Selles was recruited to replace Wilder last summer, a decision that proved disastrous and led to the club making a torrid start to the 2025/26 season. After five defeats across their opening five Championship games, Selles was axed to make way for the return of Wilder and Knill. Sheffield United finished 13th in the Championship table last season.