With the Brian Laws era coming to an end at Sheffield Wednesday almost everyone under the sun with managerial credentials has been linked with the post.
Numerous former Owls players including John Sheridan, Nigel Worthington, Gary Megson and even Paolo Di Canio have been associated with the job by various sources. More experienced managers such as Steve Coppell and Alan Curbishley have had their names entered into the betting stakes and a younger, new breed of managers are also said to be in the running with Darren Ferguson and Paul Tisdale among those being thrown into the hat.
Some are obviously more realistic candidates than others and Chairman Lee Strafford is unlikely to be rushed into making a decision.
As things stand at the moment, given what comes with trying to lure a manager away from his current job and the financial implications of this it is perhaps less likely that the Owls will opt for someone who is currently tied to a lengthy contract. Along the same lines a high profile appointment could expect a high salary and whilst it may be unwise to rule out people who fall into these two categories the costs have to be considered. However, the costs of appointing the wrong man could be far greater than the fee associated with bringing someone of this ilk into the job in the long term.
The notion of ‘we’ve got our Wednesday back’ is something that has been a part of the club’s focus in the past year since Lee Strafford came to power based around getting the fans back on side and improving the mood and attitude around the club and the appointment of a former player from the successful team of the early 90’s would seemingly tie in with that. Many ex-players from that era have been linked with the post but some have had more success than others in management which is perhaps why Nigel Worthington is short odds for the vacancy. His current contract with the Northern Ireland national team is due to expire soon and he has enjoyed previous success at Championship level, guiding Norwich to promotion although he was unable to keep them in the Premier League.
Of course, as we have experienced in the past, bringing back a popular old face doesn’t in any way guarantee success. Worthington was a popular player in a fine Wednesday side but reputations and fond memories can be ruined if subsequent returns turn sour. Danny Wilson and Chris Turner enjoyed good spells at Hillsborough as players but are now remembered by most fans first and foremost for their unsuccessful spells at the helm.
Everyone will have their own favourite for the position and no matter who the chairman chooses there are always going to be some fans that don’t agree but the sure-fire way to get the backing of the Hillsborough faithful will be to produce a much needed upturn in results.