Walk on the Wilder side
Bren’s Foxes inflict debut disaster on former Hibs boss Paul
PAUL HECKINGBOTTOM is counting on the FA Cup dream lifting an “emotional” squad – after his dugout debut turned nightmare.
Heckingbottom, who said he only found out he was taking the game less than 24 hours before kick-off, must have felt like peering through his fingers as Sheffield United’s worst league loss in 21 years unfolded.
Promoted from his Under-23 role following the departure of popular boss Chris Wilder, the former Hibs gaffer made four changes and went 3-5-2 like his predecessor preferred.
But the Blades were even worse as Kelechi Iheanacho’s hat-trick underlined what long seemed the case – that United are unquestionably heading back into the Championship.
However, their caretaker hopes a last-eight tie at Chelsea on Sunday can inspire a squad left shell-shocked by the exit of a man who had led them all the way from League One since taking the reins in 2016.
Heckingbottom, in charge until the end of the season, said: “It is an emotional dressing room. It has topped off a really difficult week for a lot of people. It is a tough time.
“Chris was the leader on the daily basis and someone who has shared a lot of success. It is the end of all that.
“Leicester were ruthless and the week has taken its toll.
“In the short term we have an FA Cup quarter-final, which is ideal for the players. What an opportunity.
“It is a great game to have after the week they have had.
“Those opportunities don’t come around very often and they have to grasp that. I can’t let them feel sorry for themselves.”
Granted the Foxes were helped by the blunted Blades who looked clueless and resigned to the drop.
But to dish out this kind of rout without injured duo James Maddison and Harvey Barnes is some going. Incredibly Jamie
Vardy didn’t net as his goal drought continued with just one since Christmas.
But the 34-year-old carried a massive threat alongside Iheanacho and teed up two goals in his partner’s hat-trick with inch-perfect crosses.
Vardy’s cross also culminated in Ethan Ampadu sending the ball into own goal to make it 5-0. This after Ayoze Perez had buried a right-foot shot with the outside of his boot and Iheanacho let fly into the bottom corner from outwith the area for his first Foxes treble.
Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers said: “You can see
Kelechi’s combination with Jamie is very good. “Jamie has always had that – it just gets overlooked because we focus on his goals. “He has always been a creator also. Those two passes he has made for Kel’s goals were absolutely brilliant. “He had other chances and was in there, he looked a threat all game.” Rodgers reckons 14-goal top scorer Vardy is getting back to his best after an op on a hernia issue. He said: “You know he is at his best when he’s moving and threatening the backline.”