Sheffield United have appointed former Watford and Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic as their new permanent manager as the Blades look to make a swift return to the Premier League in 2022.

The 52-year-old, who is Sheffield United’s first ever overseas manager, achieved Championship promotion with Watford and Fulham in the Premier League in 2015 and 2018 respectively, the latter via the playoffs.

Since leaving Fulham, Jokanovic has spent time in charge of Al-Gharafa in Qatar. He now returns to English football, where he also had brief spell with Chelsea as a player towards the end of his career.

“I’m excited to work in English football again and I’m looking forward to getting started with the players and staff, as well as meeting our passionate, loyal supporters as we prepare for the challenge in the Championship,” Jokanovic told sufc.co.uk.

“I want to assure our amazing fans that we’re fully committed to helping the team achieve its goals and make you feel proud. With your support, we can make Bramall Lane a fortress and I have no doubt that your voice will make a big difference to the team after so long without you last season.

“Let’s work together to get Sheffield United back to where the club belongs.”

Club owner Prince Abdullah commented: “Over the past two months, the club has undertaken a rigorous recruitment process in our search for the right person to take Sheffield United forward.

“We’ve been keenly conscious of the importance of this decision and therefore have considered many strong candidates and have undertaken thorough due diligence. After an exhaustive evaluation, it was evident that Slavisa was the man we needed at the helm.”

Sheffield United had shocked the Premier League by finishing tenth in their debut season back in the top flight in 2019/20, only to struggle in 2020/21 and end the campaign in 20th place.

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