Chris Wilder has left Sheffield United.
The popular boss, who took the Blades from League One all the way to the Premier League, and oversaw a fine season in the top flight this year, has been unable to mastermind another good Premier League campaign.
United are rock bottom of the table and heading back to the Championship and the club have decided to act, parting company with their manager before the end of the season.
Wilder’s future had been in doubt for the past 10 days after he made public the tensions behind the scenes between manager and the owner.
The Blades boss fell out with the club’s hierarchy over plans for next season, with the club preparing for life in the Championship.
United are bottom of the Premier League, having taken just 14 points from 28 matches following their 2-0 home defeat by Southampton last weekend.
And his departure in Yorkshire will have an impact on Chelsea, whom the Blades play in the FA Cup quarter-finals next weekend.
Chelsea will now be facing a Sheffield United side with a new manager in place. United have yet to confirm who will be taking the reins following Wilder's departure.
Former Leeds and Barnsley manager and current Blades under-23 coach Paul Heckingbottom looks set to take charge of this Sunday's clash away at Leicester.
Whether Heckingbottom is given the role until the end of the season remains unclear, but it appears likely that he will be in charge for next Sunday’s FA Cup match at Stamford Bridge.
