Sheffield United sack and replace Slaviša Jokanović ahead of Bristol City clash

The Blades go into Sunday’s game with a new man at the helm despite a win over Reading midweek
Slavisa Jokanovic is the latest managerial departure from the Championship. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)Slavisa Jokanovic is the latest managerial departure from the Championship. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Slavisa Jokanovic is the latest managerial departure from the Championship. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

Slaviša Jokanović has been relieved of his duties Sheffield United ahead of Sunday’s match with Bristol City and replaced by Paul Heckingbottom.

The Blades play City at Bramall Lane on Sunday at lunchtime, but the Serbian won’t be there after departing the Yorkshire club.

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The 53-year-old was only appointed as their manager back in May 2021 and was the first overseas manager in the club’s history.

A report from the Telegraph claims that he clashed with the club’s hierarchy over the club’s budget.

Many of the board members of Sheffield United took in the 1-0 win over Reading at the Madejski Stadium. A meeting was reportedly arranged for this morning to tell Jokanovic that despite the win, he would no longer be manager of the football club.

Paul Beckingbottom will manage against Bristol City as Sheff Utd’s permanent new manager. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)Paul Beckingbottom will manage against Bristol City as Sheff Utd’s permanent new manager. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Paul Beckingbottom will manage against Bristol City as Sheff Utd’s permanent new manager. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

In a day of quick developments, Paul Heckingbottom, who was caretaker manager after Chris Wilder’s departure, was appointed on a five-year contract.

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The 44-year-old lasted just four months at Leeds United after a successful spell at Barnsley and later managed Hibernian before joining United as their Under 23’s head coach.

Former Bradford City manager Stuart McCall has been appointed as his assistant manager, a role he previously held with Blackpool.

During Heckingbottom’s unveiling, chief executive Stephen Bettis made a bizzare comment by stating that their new manager will not be judged on results.

Bettis said: “Paul won’t be judged on what happens on a Saturday afternoon. He will be judged on how good the football department is. Me and Paul do have a long-standing relationship and it feels right.”

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Sheffield United have so far not met early season expectations after their relegation from the Premier League. They are nine points above the relegation zone in 16th and are seven points off a play-off spot.

Despite dropping into the second tier, Sheffield United managed to retain a huge portion of their squad with the only noticeable sale being Aaron Ramsdale to Arsenal.

Add to that the club are receiving parachute payments, which helps deal with the wages of top-flight football in a lower division, the high-earning players aren’t playing to their best ability.

Fulham and West Bromwich Albion meanwhile, the other two teams relegated from England’s top tier are both in the top two with the Cottagers leading the way.

The poor run of form saw Jokanovic fail to win back-to-back matches, a formula which is needed for success in the Championship.

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