We take a look at the contenders to be the next manager of Sheffield United as their relatively underwhelming start to the new season continues.
The Blades have picked up 16 points from their opening 12 Championship fixtures and were left frustrated after being held to a 1-1 draw by a struggling Derby County side, who had Dion Sanderson sent off midway through the second half.
In the summer, some supporters had been left bewildered with the club's activity in the transfer window and manager Chris Wilder has himself not been immune to criticism from sections of the fanbase.
Here are our top five contenders to be the next Sheffield United manager in the event that there is a change in the dugout.
Next Sheffield United Manager Contenders
Rob Edwards
Former Wolves boss Rob Edwards has been backed to return to management in the near future after being sacked on the eve of the new season.
He was performing well in his role at Middlesbrough last season before he left to join Wolves and their ultimately unsuccessful Premier League survival bid.
Edwards boasts a Championship promotion on his CV from his tenure at Luton Town and he would be a good appointment for the Blades.
Dave Challinor
Former Stockport County boss Dave Challinor is expected to have plenty of suitors in the EFL in the coming weeks.
Challinor has achieved at least a play-off finish in each of his 15 full seasons as a manager.
He departed Stockport following the League One play-off final defeat to Bolton Wanderers in May.
Scott Parker
Promotion specialist Scott Parker has led Fulham, Bournemouth and Burnley to the top-flight.
His time as a manager in the Premier League has not been as successful but a man who knows his way around the Championship would make sense for Sheffield United.
Parker's time at Burnley ended disappointedly but he still has plenty more to give in the dugout.
Steve Cooper
Steve Cooper will be out to prove a point after disappointing spells at Leicester City and Brondby.
He led Nottingham Forest to the Premier League during his time at the City Ground, before helping the club to preserve their Premier League status.
His style of football would be popular at Bramall Lane but he can't afford another underwhelming tenure.
Paul Heckingbottom
Paul Heckingbottom is out of work after he was recently relieved of his duties at Preston North End.
Heckingbottom paid the price for a poor start to the season after losing six of the first seven Championship fixtures.
A return to Sheffield United would raise a number of eyebrows but he has won promotion with the club before.
