Sheffield United Football Club announce this afternoon that Gary Speed has been appointed as manager of the club with immediate effect.

Gary, 40, takes charge of team affairs after stepping up from his role as First Team Coach. He has agreed a three-year contract.

You can watch Chief Exec Trevor Birch reveal Gary Speed as the new manager to the right for free.
Subscribers can see the full press conference and hear from Gary Speed himself on BladesPlayer.TV

United's Chief Executive, Trevor Birch, comments: "We have moved decisively and quickly to appoint the right man to take Sheffield United forward. He has exciting plans for the club and we will do everything within our power to back him."

Gary Speed: "I'm delighted that my first managerial role is with the Blades, a club I know well - I've enjoyed my two and a half years here. I'd like to thank the Board for putting faith in me to take the club forward following on from Kevin Blackwell's hard work."

Gary replaces Kevin Blackwell, who left the club on Saturday following the home defeat to Queens Park Rangers.

Sam Ellis has been asked by Gary to stay in position and Gary will also appoint his own coach within the next few days.

Gary's first match in charge will be Sunday's npower Championship fixture at Middlesbrough.