David Weir cut by Sheffield United after just 13 games following disappointing start

David Weir: The former Everton defender was only appointed in June (Getty Images)

Sheffield United sacked manager David Weir yesterday following the club’s disappointing start to the League One season.

The Blades have won only one of their 10 league games, that victory having come on the opening weekend of the campaign, and are currently lying third from bottom in the table with just five points.

The 43-year-old former Scotland and Everton defender was only appointed to the post in June, in what was first job in management. Lee Carsley, his assistant, has also left the club.

The chief executive, Julian Winter, released a statement on the club’s official website, which said: “First and foremost all at SUFC, from the board right the way through the club, wish David and Lee all the best for the future. None of us wanted to be in this position at this point in the season. David’s appointment was made as part of developing a new phase at the club.”

Sheffield United’s Under-21 coach and former defender Chris Morgan will take charge of the team on an interim basis, starting with tomorrow’s televised trip to the Sixfields Stadium to face Coventry City. He will be assisted by the goalkeeping coach, Darren Ward, and head of academy coaching, Travis Binnion

Winter added: “Chris Morgan has been asked, and agreed, to take an interim role in charge of Sunday’s team. He knows the players and, with Darren and Travis, will be doing his utmost to get a return to winning ways.”

Morgan commented: “The club have made me aware of the situation and I am happy to step in and work with the players for the Coventry game.”

Weir replaced Danny Wilson in the summer but has struggled in his first managerial position, losing nine of United’s 13 matches in all competitions.

The Saudi Arabian Prince Abdullah bin Mosaad purchased 50 per cent of the club’s shares from the owner and chairman, Kevin McCabe, last month and gave Weir his full backing as well as substantial finances.

However, the club’s fans have consistently expressed their concern at such a poor start to their third season in the third tier, which has seen the Blades lose five of their last six games.