Sheffield United have appointed former Southampton boss Nigel Adkins as their new manager.

Adkins has been out of work since being sacked by Reading back December, and has been handed the task of trying to get the Blades back into the Championship.

United parted company with Nigel Clough, who along with his coaching staff, was sacked following their defeat to Swindon Town in the League One play-off semi-final.

The Blades are keen to get back into the Premier League as soon as possible and believe Adkins could be the man to do it after he guided Southampton back to the top flight.

Adkins also took Scunthorpe from League One to the Championship on two occasions, and the Sheffield United hierarchy will be hoping he can work his magic once again.

“Nigel Adkins has agreed a three-year contract to become Sheffield United’s new first-team manager,” a statement on the club’s website read.

“The 50-year-old, who has won promotion from League One on three occasions, twice with Scunthorpe United and most recently with Southampton, will be joined at Bramall Lane by Andy Crosby (Assistant Manager) and Dean Wilkins (First-Team Coach).

“The incoming trio will work alongside the existing backroom staff already contracted to the club and will commence their roles with immediate effect.”

Bradford boss Phil Parkinson and out-going Brentford manager Mark Warburton had been heavily linked before Adkins penned a three-year deal.

Meanwhile, Andy Crosby has been confirmed as assistant manager and Dean Wilkins as first-team coach.

Watford are 1.67 to be relegated from the Premier League next season, while fellow newly promoted sides Norwich and Bournemouth are priced at 2.10 and 2.20 respectively.