Sheffield United confirm key off-field news ahead of EFL Championship return | OneFootball

The Blades are preparing for life back in the Championship after just one year in the Premier League.

The Yorkshire outfit have had their relegation confirmed, and have been consigned to 20th place in the table.

But the club is hopeful of being able to push for promotion again next year, announcing a restructure to their recruitment staff ahead of the summer window.

Mike Allen has been appointed as the new head of recruitment, with Jamie Hoyland set to become chief scout.

Chris Wilder responds to Sheffield United recruitment restructure

Chris Wilder has welcomed these changes behind the scenes, claiming these are necessary changes to help improve the team’s transfer business.

The Sheffield United boss highlighted the history of both Allen and Hoyland with the club, suggesting their knowledge of the Blades will also be crucial.

"This is tremendous news for the club as we welcome two individuals who will play a major role in one of the most important recruitment periods this club has seen in the past decade," said Wilder, via the club’s official website.

"Boosting the recruitment department, this was something which everyone from board level down to management agreed was necessary, and these two individuals won't be the last ones we appoint to a new look team.

"I've worked successfully with Mike before, he's no stranger to the club, and Jamie is someone who will need no introduction to Blades fans either from his time as a player and his work with the academy.

"The club went through an extensive process, but these two individuals ticked all the boxes we were looking for.

"I've spoken at length recently about the culture and personality of this football club and how important it is that everyone, in all departments, is aligned on this.

“For me, this was the backbone to what made the club so successful during my first stint in charge.

"Mike and Jamie know what it takes to be successful at Sheffield United, and that is a crucial attribute which they'll be able to identify in our future signings."

Jamie Hoyland and Mike Allen's Sheffield United history

Hoyland played for Sheffield United from 1990 to 1994, and has previously worked with the club’s academy system, as well as with West Ham and Everton.

Meanwhile, Allen was previously the head of the club’s analysis department, spending 16 years at Bramall Lane.

He will now return to take up an important role as the head of recruitment, working above Hoyland.

Sheffield United have claimed that this will be the beginning of a data-led approach to player recruitment.

Recruitment will be key to Sheffield United promotion push next year

A big issue with Sheffield United’s return to the Premier League was not necessarily poor recruitment, but the lack of proper investment.

Additions like Gustavo Hamer, Cameron Archer and Anel Ahmedhodzic have been great fresh faces in the squad in recent years.

However, the team lacked the proper investment to compete with the very best in English football.

These new hires behind the scenes are all well and good, but they will need the backing of the owners in the summer in order to enact real positive change.