ONE of the most successful managerial double acts over the past decade in Yorkshire are set to be split up - with Alan Knill poised to leave Sheffield United.
The shock development is expected to transpire amid a major coaching shake-up at Bramall Lane following the club's disappointing mid-table Championship finish in 2025-26.
United's owners COH Sports are keen for a coaching revamp this summer, with young coaches Micky Collins and Guilherme Ramos among those tipped for promotions.
Knill, 61, has been Chris Wilder's right-hand man during his three spells at the Blades.
Alan Knill is reportedly set to leave his role as Sheffield United's assistant manager.placeholder image
Alan Knill is reportedly set to leave his role as Sheffield United's assistant manager.
The former Rotherham United joint-manager and Halifax defender also worked alongside Wilder during his time in charge at Middlesbrough.
Knill was widely credited for his tactical input during United's rise to the Premier League in 2018-19, with the duo enjoying dual promotion highs during their first golden spell at United, who also went agonisingly close to a return to the top-flight in their second stint at the helm in 2024-25.
Wilder and Knill returned to the club for a third time last September. The pair first joined forces on the managerial front at Bury, where Wilder initially served as Knill's number two before a role reversal.
Speaking about Knill's influence in the spring, Wilder said: "He’s been integral to the journey.
Middlesbrough's Hayden Hackney at Rockliffe Park, Middlesbrough's training ground. Picture date: Andy Commins/PA Wire.placeholder image
Middlesbrough's Hayden Hackney at Rockliffe Park, Middlesbrough's training ground. Picture date: Andy Commins/PA Wire.
"He’s never been an ‘assistant’. It’s been me and him, right the way through. He’s been unbelievable to work with, he doesn’t get the credit he deserves.
"He’s got an unbelievable skillset, and he’s been an ally and loyal friend, which you need in this game.”
Boro are not expected to compromise regarding their valuation of star turn Hayden Hackney - amid intense speculation over his future.
Reports suggest that Everton are leading the race to sign the Championship's player of the season, who will soon enter the final year of his contract.
The Merseysiders have been heavily linked with a £10million bid for the 23-year-old, with a host of other top-flight sides in the mix.
Tottenham Hotspur, Brighton and Hove Albion, Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest and Fulham have also been credited with interest alongside Manchester United, whose manager Michael Carrick played an integral role in the development of Hackney in his time on Teesside.
Talk of Everton's valuation has been dismissed by sources close to Boro, who have stressed that the club have not received a formal offer for Hackney, who turned down a big-money move to Ipswich Town last summer which was said to be worth £20m, inclusive of add-ons.
If Boro do business, they are likely to insert a significant add-on clause into any deal.
Meanwhile, Boro stand to gain a major windfall this summer if Morgan Rogers leaves Aston Villa.
The England star has been linked with a £100m move to champions Arsenal. Boro inserted a 20 per cent sell-on clause in any future sale following Rogers' move to Villa.