Heckingbottom '100 per cent' expects to keep Sheffield United job despite Newcastle rout

Paul Heckingbottom says he expects to be in charge for Sheffield United's next match despite seeing his Blades put tot he sword by a rampant Newcastle United on Sunday.

Newcastle ran out 8-0 winners at Bramall Lane to equal their biggest Premier League win, while inflicting United's heaviest league defeat.

The Blades have endured a difficult return to England's top tier after winning promotion, with Sunday's setback extending their record to six games without a win.

There has been speculation linking former boss Chris Wilder to a Bramall Lane return, but when asked whether he will be the manager for the next game, Heckingbottom said: “Yes, 100 per cent.

“This might be a theme now by the looks of it. I can’t answer any of that, the game, the players, my department, yeah no problem, but things like that you are asking the wrong man.”

Heckingbottom, who guided the club to promotion last season, has overseen a difficult few days following the death of women’s player Maddy Cusack earlier in the week.

The midfielder, who also worked for the club’s marketing department, was just 27 and the club were left “devastated”.

And the boss admits he will be glad to see the back of a horrible week.

There were poignant pre-match tributes to Cusack and Heckingbottom said: “It has affected a lot of people, there were tears on the pitch before the game.

“But we were determined to end what has been a really tough week strongly and we weren’t able to do that. It has been a tough week for everyone at the club and one we want over.”

The Magpies rewrote the history books, registering their biggest away win and also becoming the first Premier League side to have eight players score in a game.

Sheffield United v Newcastle United - Premier League