Sheffield United have appointed Slavisa Jokanovic, twice a promotion-winner from the Championship, as their new manager.

The 52-year-old Serb has signed a three-year contract with the Blades and succeeds Chris Wilder, who left in March after guiding his boyhood club from League One to the Premier League in just over four and a half years in charge.

Under-23 coach Paul Heckingbottom oversaw the final 10 matches of the season but was unable to prevent United's relegation from the top flight.

Jokanovic won promotion from the Championship at both Watford in 2015 and Fulham in 2018 and the Blades hierarchy will be hoping he can repeat the feat at Bramall Lane.

He becomes the club's first ever overseas manager, with his previous job being in Qatar with Al-Gharafa where he has been since 2019.

But delighted to be back in English football, Jokanovic said: "I'm honoured to become the manager of this historic football club and I'm grateful to Prince Abdullah bin Mosa'ad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Yusuf Giansiracusa and Stephen Bettis for trusting in me to start this new chapter for the Blades.

"We all share the same long-term vision, passion and ambition for Sheffield United. I'm excited to work in English football again and I'm looking forward to getting started with the players and staff, as well as meeting our passionate, loyal supporters as we prepare for the challenge in the Championship.

"I want to assure our amazing fans that we're fully committed to helping the team achieve its goals and make you feel proud. With your support, we can make Bramall Lane a fortress and I have no doubt that your voice will make a big difference to the team after so long without you last season.

"Let's work together to get Sheffield United back to where the club belongs."

Oostende manager Alexander Blessin, Club Brugge boss Philippe Clement and interim boss Heckingbottom, who won three of his final six matches at the helm, were said to have also been on the club's shortlist as Wilder's permanent successor.

Jokanovic, whose managerial career has also included spells in charge of Partizan Belgrade, Levski Sofia, Muanthong United and Maccabi Tel Aviv, was also reported to be of interest to West Brom who have been heavily linked with a move for ex-Blades boss Wilder.