The Premier League season of 2023/24 has seen its first managerial casualty as Paul Heckingbottom has been sacked by Sheffield United.
The 46-year-old’s dismissal comes after the team’s humiliating 5-0 defeat at the hands of relegation rivals Burnley, who recorded their first home win since being promoted.
The Blades were in dire need of a win at Turf Moor, and the manner of their loss has forced the club to take action.
The focus now shifts to finding a replacement for Heckingbottom before Liverpool visits Bramall Lane on Wednesday night (7.30 pm).
It is expected that former Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder will be brought back in.
Wilder, 56, has been out of work since the end of last season after his short-term stint as Watford manager came to an end.
Since leaving the Blades back in 2021 after a memorable five-year spell in charge which saw them climb two divisions from League One to the Premier League, Wilder also managed Middlesbrough in the Championship but failed to win fans over before being sacked in October 2022 after 11 months in the job.
Heckingbottom’s departure leaves Sheffield United rooted to the bottom of the table, having won just once at home to Wolves (2-1) a month ago.
They are currently four points from safety, with just five points obtained from 14 top-flight games played.
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Last season, seven Premier League managers had already moved on by this time.
It is not surprising that Heckingbottom has been let go following their terrible start to life back in the top flight, which has seen them concede a staggering 39 goals, including an 8-0 drubbing at home to Newcastle.
Sheffield United now face a tough run of games after their damaging successive defeats to Bournemouth and Burnley.
Brentford will visit Bramall Lane on Saturday after Liverpool’s visit on Wednesday.
Trips to Chelsea and Aston Villa then follow for the Blades before Christmas.
A must-win clash against Luton is on Boxing Day, and a daunting game away to Manchester City ends their year on December 30.
In addition to finding a new manager, Sheffield United must also find a way to start scoring goals on a regular basis.
They have only scored 11 goals so far, which is the lowest total in the division.
