Chris Wilder is still in regular contact with the man who replaced him as manager of Sheffield United.
Wilder has kept in touch with Paul Heckingbottom in the four weeks since his successful five-year reign at Bramall Lane was brought to an abrupt halt after the breakdown in his relationship with Blades owner Prince Abdullah.
The 53-year-old brought in Heckingbottom last summer to oversee the club's Under-23s, and has remained a mentor since the former Leeds and Hibernian boss took caretaker charge following his departure from the Premier League's bottom side last month March.