Sheffield United sack manager Paul Heckingbottom

LONDON: Sheffield United announced on Tuesday they had sacked manager Paul Heckingbottom, with the Premier League side at the bottom of the table and four points from safety.

CEO Stephen Bettis said the club, who hope to have a new manager in place before Wednesday´s match against Liverpool, needed a “boost” in their battle for survival. Heckingbottom is the first manager to be fired this season in the English top flight after 11 defeats in 14 league games.

Former boss Chris Wilder is expected to replace him as manager at Bramall Lane. Bettis praised Heckingbottom´s “professionalism and dedication”. “However, after slipping to the bottom of the table and a number of disappointing results and performances, it is felt that a change is needed to give the club a boost and every possible chance of remaining in the Premier League beyond this season,” he said.