Chris Wilder has returned to Sheffield United as their new manager after the club sacked Nigel Adkins on Thursday morning.
The Blades have hired their former defender Wilder, who led Northampton to the Sky Bet League Two title, on a three-year deal having removed Adkins from his post just 11 months into a three-year contract following an 11th-placed finish in League One.
Wilder had originally been a target for managerless Bolton and had then been granted permission to speak to Charlton but, after that fell through earlier this week, Sheffield United moved swiftly to acquire the 48-year-old -- a Blades fan -- and his assistant Alan Knill on a three-year deal.
"We are delighted to appoint Chris, he has a fantastic reputation," co-owner Kevin McCabe said on the club's official website.
"He understands the ethos of our club and is a modern 21st-century manager.
"We are aware that Chris is popular with the supporters, however, this is not a sentimental appointment, he has a proven track record and is hungry to bring success to the Blades.
"He has a vision of success, knows what is required by the supporters and we will assist him as much as we can. Early talks have been positive and we look forward to a new era at Bramall Lane."
Wilder added: "A lot of supporters already know me and those who don't will soon realise that I am loyal, hard-working, straight-talking, thorough and whole-hearted in everything that I do.
"Obviously, people know my connection with the club as a supporter and former player and I want Bramall Lane to return to be an intimidating place - I don't want the players to feel it is a burden, playing in front of 20,000 fans."
Wilder succeeds Adkins, who had arrived at Bramall Lane last June with three promotions out of the division on his resume.
"I am proud and honoured to have been the manager of Sheffield United but saddened to leave after just one season," Adkins admitted following his departure.
"I am naturally very disappointed not to be able to continue the good work going on behind the scenes, which I am confident will be of benefit to the club going forward. I wish the club and the supporters the best of luck for the future."
Earlier in the day Cobblers chairman Kelvin Thomas had granted Wilder permission to speak with the Blades and admitted he expected the deal to be completed quickly.
Thomas also revealed that he has already met with four candidates as he also looks for a swift resolution to his own managerial search.