Paul Heckingbottom: Former Sheffield United boss banned for speeding

Paul Heckingbottom was sacked as the manger of Sheffield United in December 2023

Former Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom has been banned from driving for six months after pleading guilty to speeding.

The ex-Blades boss was caught driving at 57mph in a 50mph zone on the M1 in South Yorkshire in July 2023.

Appearing at Sheffield Magistrates' Court, Heckingbottom argued a ban could impact his future job prospects.

However, magistrate Nick Williams said he saw a ban as "an inconvenience rather than a hardship".

According to court papers, Heckingbottom, of Keresforth Hill Road, Barnsley, was caught speeding in his Mercedes between Junctions 34 and 35 of the M1 on 15 July.

The court heard the offence would result in him being disqualified from driving due to previous points accumulated, but Heckingbottom appeared in person on Tuesday to make an exceptional hardship application.

Giving evidence the former Barnsley, Hibernian and Leeds United boss, argued his employment prospects would be impacted, along with the care of his four children and his voluntary work at Weston Park Cancer Charity.

He was sacked in December by Premier League strugglers United, who remain bottom of the table under Chris Wilder, who returned to try and save his former club from relegation.

'Hard to get a job'

Heckingbottom described himself in court as a "stay-at-home dad" but said he was "preparing for a new role in football".

"January is quite a key time," he said.

"Between now and June, in the next five months, is commonly when managers' jobs become available with football clubs trying to improve their situation."

Asked how quickly he could find himself back in work, he said: "Literally, it can be a phone call."

"I can't be choosy enough to pick out one or two football clubs. It's hard to get a job and stay in a job, I have got to be sensible. It could be anywhere."

Magistrate Nick Williams, who chaired the hearing, said: "We feel that disqualification would not put you in financial difficulties or risk losing your house.

"As far as your children, alternative mechanisms can be arranged, we are sure, to collect them from school.

"We view this as an inconvenience rather than a hardship."