Paul Sturrock reportedly said his goodbyes to the players today after his surprise sacking yesterday and he was followed out of the Hillsborough door by defensive coach John Blackley and assistant Kevin Summerfield, who he brought to the club from Plymouth Argyle.
McAuley has been doing a fantastic job with Wednesday's youngsters as of late but it is doubtful whether he would be up for the full-time role as Owls manager.
Three names in the frame so far are former Norwich boss Nigel Worthington, ex-Nottingham Forest and West Bromwich Albion manager Gary Megson and Nigel Pearson - although the club have gone down the old Owls player road before to disastrous effects.
Phone lines were jammed on local radio shows last night as supporters vented their anger at Dave Allen, claiming, quite rightly so, that Sturrock is the best manager the club have had for years.
Looking at the league table, maybe Allen was right to let him go, but then again the chairman gave him his full backing only last month by issuing Sturrock a new deal so perhaps the decision was a tad hasty.
I personally have had a great deal of time for Paul and sorry to see him go, and I do believe that he should have been given a little longer to see what he could have done but football chairman are very impatient people.
It seems as if the club have now taken a massive step back and squad building will have to start again when the new manager comes in, so players who may be tied up to the club for a long time may not sleep easily in the next few weeks.
Who would I like to see as manager? Alan Curbishley is the name that stands out but I can't see him coming, not a chance in fact. Out of the former players mentioned, Pearson is the one who stands out for me although the job could be too big for him - but whoever it is, it will be very important appointment.
Other names which have been linked include Dave Penny and Kevin Blackwell.
Thanks for the memories though Paul, you will be sorely missed.