Sheffield United relegated from Premier League

Sheffield United have been relegated from the Premier League with six games of the season still to play.

The Blades’ miserable campaign, which has seen them win just four of their 32 matches, reached its inevitable nadir with a 1-0 defeat at Wolves on Saturday night.

Last season United were the division’s surprise package, flirting with European qualification before finishing in ninth position – their highest league placing in 28 years.

However it has been a different story this campaign.

Defeat against Wolves on the opening day set the tone for what would prove a season to forget.

Manager Chris Wilder – a boyhood fan and the man who led the club from the third tier to the top flight in just three years – left last month.

Paul Heckingbottom stepped up from managing the club’s under 23’s but failed to muster a change in performance or result.

The season started with defeat against Wolves.

Their relegation has been confirmed with another defeat against Wolves.

It hasn’t been much better in between either.

Recriminations will now begin.

A number of factors have contributed to the Blades’ demise – injuries, recruitment and lack of crowd.

Next season the Blades will play in the Championship.

Now it’s time to start planning.

First on the “to do” list is a new manager.