Kevin Blackwell and Sheffield United have parted company.

A statement on the club website read;

"Kevin Blackwell has worked tremendously hard over the last two and a half years and his record in terms of results is equal to if not better than most previous managers at Bramall Lane. He will always have a warm welcome at Sheffield United.

"However, it is time for us to move on because our ambition remains the same in challenging for promotion, hence this decision to look for a new manager to carry on the work Kevin has been doing."

Blackwell, who battled financial crises at former clubs Leeds United and Luton Town, led Sheffield United to the play-off final in his first full season at Bramall Lane.

Kevin was recalled to Bramall Lane as Bryan Robson's managerial replacement in February, 2008. He hoisted a side suffering a relegation hangover from the bottom half of the table to ninth place, just four points adrift of the top six.

Up the end of the following season - when third-placed United were beaten by Burnley in the play-off final at Wembley - Blackwell boasted a 50% win ratio at Bramall Lane with 33 victories and only 15 defeats.

The following season, the Blades finished 8th in the Championship, narrowly missing out on a place in the play-offs. At the time of his departure, Blackwell was the 20th longest serving manager in English football.

Kevin Blackwell