PAUL HECKINGBOTTOM keeps a bizarre object in a case on his desk to remind him of the "fine margins" in football.
The Sheffield United boss is preparing for his club's return to the Premier League following promotion last year.
However, the Blades could have been back in the top-flight a year earlier had it not been for play-off heartache in 2022.
Heckingbottom's side were beaten on penalties by Nottingham Forest in the semi-finals after drawing 2-2 on aggregate.
During the second leg, midfielder Iliman Ndiaye was agonisingly denied by Forest goalkeeper Brice Samba.
The Senegal international's shot deflecting wide after scraping one of Samba's studs.
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Heckingbottom now keeps a stud in a clear case on his desk as a reminder of the fine margins in football.
He sees it as a symbol to control every controllable, with everything else in football down to fortune.
Speaking to I in October last year, he explained: "When I was playing, I used to have a manager who would constantly say to us that it is better to be a lucky manager than a good one.
"Even when he messages me now, he always signs off with ‘Be lucky’.
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"Those moments can often define a match or a season and you aren’t in control of them.
"As long as you know everyone has given their best, you are happy. And if you have the right environment, you can eliminate risk.
"The more details you get right over time, you will win more of those marginal moments than you lose."
Heckingbottom has been in charge of the Blades since November 2021, following spells as both a caretaker boss and their under-21 manager.
Having taken over with the club 16th in the Championship, he guided them to fifth place and the play-offs in that maiden campaign.
The former Leeds gaffer then went one better last season, finishing second and achieving automatic promotion to the Premier League.
His side will kick-off their top-flight return at home to Crystal Palace on August 12.
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