The fixtures haven’t even been released, but Dean Windass has already ruled his former side Sheffield United out of getting promoted straight back to the Premier League next year.

Having failed to build off their outstanding first campaign back in the top-flight in 2019-2020, the Blades were relegated last term having sat at the foot of the table from November onwards.

Sheffield United will no doubt be amongst the favourites to make an instant return to the top division next time, helped by the appointment of Slavisa Jokanovic.

The Serbian, who recently left his position as manager of Qatari outfit Al-Gharafa, has twice been promoted to the Premier League – in 2014 with Watford, and most recently, 2018 with Fulham.

However, after a wretched start to the following season with Fulham, Jokanovic was sacked before Christmas and hasn’t managed in England since.

Despite having two promotions on his CV, Windass’ early prediction is that the Bramall Lane outfit won’t be returning to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

He told Football FanCast:

“It pains me to say it, but I can’t see them going back up next year, depending how many players you do lose.

“He did fantastically well at Fulham and were probably the best team in the Championship, but I can’t see Sheffield United bouncing back straight away.”