Sheffield United’s rivals 'reluctantly' given manager permission, ‘Spygate’ punishment edges closer

One of Sheffield United’s Championship rivals have ‘reluctantly’ been given permission to speak to a new manager to replace sacked former Blades chief Paul Heckingbottom. He was sacked as Preston North End boss recently.

And the Deepdale club could be closing in on his successor after being granted permission to speak to Bradford City boss Graham Alexander.

Alexander made 372 league appearances for Preston across two spells and is a popular figure at Deepdale. Should he be appointed, as seems likely, his first challenge would be get Preston out of the relegation zone. They currently sit second from bottom with one win from eight, three points from safety and five below United in 18th.

United travel to Deepdale in early November and host North End at Bramall Lane in January.

The Bantams said in a statement: “Bradford City AFC can confirm we have been approached by Preston North End to speak to Graham Alexander regarding the Sky Bet Championship side’s managerial vacancy. Reluctantly, Bradford City has granted permission for Graham to speak to Preston North End. The club will be making no further comment at this time.”

Meanwhile another rival Championship boss, Southampton’s Tonda Eckert, could learn his fate this week for his part in the infamous Spygate scandal.

The Saints admitted to spying on three clubs last season and were kicked out of the play-offs after reaching the final at Wembley.

Eckert was charged by the FA and a hearing was set to take place this week to decide his punishment.

"I have had the chance to sit down and just talk the FA through everything that happened," Eckert told BBC Sport. "Now it is up to them to make a decision. I don't really have any emotions towards that.

"It has been a big, big punishment. Absolutely unheard of in the history of sports, and it is tough for me to say that because it concerns me.

“I am judging on myself, not an outside situation. But I have asked for forgiveness for what I've done, I have apologised publicly.

"I think the punishment has been very hard on the club for the last season and to go into a new season on minus four. The rest is not for me to decide."