It helped that the Texans’ defensive front turned up the heat on Herbert, sacking him four times and hitting him five more.

Dyche's sacking on Thursday evening just as preparations were being finalised for the cup tie came as a real shock - not because it happened, but the nature of how it transpired.

The ideal scenario of sending Dyche on his way with gratitude in the summer has not come about, so less than a month into their stewardship the Friedkin Group have made their first managerial sacking.

It emerged earlier this week that the Hammers were considering sacking Lopetegui and had held talks with Potter about replacing him.

Mr Smith is also reportedly expected to leave his job before Trump returns to the White House on 20 January and carries out a threat of sacking him.