Owls manager dismissed
Sheffield Wednesday have dismissed first team manager Tony Pulis after just 10 games in charge of the club. The club released an official statement after 11pm on Monday 28th December which revealed that Pulis' contract has been terminated with immediate effect.
The statement pointed towards performances and results as being the determining factor in the decision, referencing the 7 points that the Owls have picked up from his 10 games in charge as being unnaceptable. Interestingly the statement also alluded to 'other issues which have had a bearing on this decision.'
Neil Thompson will take charge of the team for Tuesday's Championship fixture at home to Middlesbrough and will be in temporary charge until a new manager is appointed.
The timing of the dismissal raises eyebrows in terms of it being a results-based decision. While Pulis has not managed to improve on the results under previous manager Garry Monk, the Owls have taken four points from their last two games, indicating signs of progress in that respect.
Many Owls fans have been unimpressed by the style of play adopted under Pulis but will be concerned at the speed at which this decision has been made. Rumours circulated last week that Pulis may have been considering quitting in relation to what players he may or may not be able to bring in during the January transfer window. The former Stoke manager said he was hoping to speak to Chansiri soon and mentioned on a few occasions that he would tell him straight what he felt was wrong and what was required. There have also been reports of delays in payments of player wages recently which are likely to have had an impact on morale.
It is clearly obvious to all Wednesday fans that the squad is short of a focal point striker and a clinical goal scorer. If the funds are not made available for this to be addressed next month then the task to maintain Championship status will be an uphill struggle regardless of who the next manager is.