December 5, (THEWILL) – Sheffield United have sacked manager Paul Heckingbottom, making him the first English Premier League boss to lose his job this season. The 46-year-old was let go after the Blades picked up just 5 points from their opening 14 matches, leaving them bottom of the table.
The final straw came Saturday, with a 5-0 thrashing by fellow promoters, Burnley, ending the Clarets’ seven-match losing streak at Turf Moor. Sheffield United confirmed the news Tuesday, with sources understanding former manager Chris Wilder is expected to take charge for Wednesday’s clash with Liverpool.
Heckingbottom initially joined the Blades in July 2020 as Under-23 coach, before being promoted to interim first-team boss when Wilder departed in March 2021. Slavisa Jokanovic was hired that summer after relegation, but lasted only a few months before Heckingbottom was appointed full-time manager in November 2021.
In his first season, Heckingbottom led Sheffield United to the Championship play-offs, losing on penalties in the semi-finals. In his second campaign, the Blades secured automatic promotion to the EPL with a second-place finish and reached the FA Cup semi-finals.
While Sheffield United were expected to struggle this season, they picked up credible results against Brighton and Hove Albion, Everton and Wolves. However, it was not enough to save Heckingbottom’s job amidst the Blades’ poor form.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
