Kevin Blackwell has returned to Sheffield United as manager following the departure of Bryan Robson.
Blackwell, who spent nearly four years as assistant to Neil Warnock before quitting to join Leeds United four years ago, will have a contract until the end of the season.
Robson was axed on Thursday evening after just nine months at the helm and with the Blades nine points adrift of the play-off zone in the Championship.
The former England captain was summoned to a meeting in Brussels with Plc chairman Kevin McCabe on Wednesday night and had been offered a new role as director of football.
But Robson rejected the move so McCabe quickly turned to Blackwell, who has been out of football since leaving Luton Town last month.
Robson's assistant Brian Kidd has also left with immediate effect and football club chairman Terry Robinson is to be repla ced at the end of the season.
Blackwell will be assisted by Sam Ellis who has been his No 2 at both Leeds and Luton in the last few years.
McCabe said: "I had hoped that Bryan would take a new role in the club, but that was not to be. Kevin and Sam are in until the end of the season when we will take stock.
"They both know the situation and most important of all understand how we are determined to take this club forward.
"Over the last two days I have spent a lot of time reviewing the club's football matters. That will include the pursuit of a football supremo to oversee a new football structure at this club.
"I was keen to see Bryan Robson take up this head of football role but, regrettably, this was not to be and he departs along with Brian Kidd with the best wishes of Sheffield United."