Time is up
Sheffield United is ready to fire Slavisa Jokanovic after just six months.
The Serbian replaced Chris Wilder as permanent manager after relegation from the Premier League.
But with the Blades in 16th place in the tournament, Jokaonovic was eliminated eight points from the relegation zone and eight points from last qualifying position.
Under-23 coach Paul Hickingbottom will take over Sunday against Bristol City for a second transition period after taking the reins in 11 games following Wilder’s departure.
And Heckingbottom will have a chance to claim the job, with Alex Neal, the former Norwich and Preston coach in mind.
Tuesday’s win at Reading, where midfielder John Flick was rushed to hospital after collapsing on the pitch, was Sheffield United’s sixth win in 19 games.
Jokanovic, who had been promoted to the Premier League with Watford and Fulham, left Qatari club Al Gharafa in May and was entrusted with an immediate return to the top flight.
After Hickingbutton’s interim stint at the end of last season, United lost as many games (eight games) as it did.
And while their teammates from Fulham and West Brom are on their way, the South Yorkshire club have struggled with a headache since relegation to the Championship.
Despite selling Aaron Ramsdale for £ 30m to Arsenal, the Blades have kept the vast majority of the team but have struggled to stay consistent.
The 53-year-old Jokanovic is believed to have been frustrated with the club’s summer transfer business, with only four players signed, all on loan, and the Serb failed to get the wings he was desperate for.
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