Dave Jones Set For Sheffield Wednesday

Sheffield Wednesday are today expected to announce the imminent appointment of new manager Dave Jones less than 48 hours after controversially sacking Gary Megson. Megson was surprisingly given the boot on Wednesday night despite The Owls lying third in League One and fresh off a pivotal win over arch rivals Sheffield United in the Steel City Derby. Jones was instantly installed as the favourite in the betting and now looks to have beaten off competition from the likes of Lee Clark, Mick McCarthy and Paul Ince. Meanwhile it has been confirmed that assistant manager Chris Evans will take charge of the club for Saturday’s clash against Rochdale.

Many supporters have reacted angrily to Megson’s shock sacking, with a number of fans venting their frustrations on forums and message boards. It has been reported that the club’s Chairman Milan Mandaric decided to dismiss Megson due to a breakdown in relations with the 52-year-old, who had only been in charge for just over a year. With just 13 games of the season remaining it will be the timing of the decision that will worry Wednesday fans as it could in fact have a grave effect on their promotion prospects.

Jones has been out of work since he was sacked by Cardiff City last May. The 55-year-old spent six years at the Championship club but was given the boot after failing to lead them to promotion to the Premier League. He has previously been in charge of Stockport, Southampton and Wolves, with experience of winning promotion with both Wolves and Stockport. If, as expected, Jones is appointed manager he will be expected to guide the club up to the Championship at the end of the season. Wednesday are currently third in League One, five points adrift of an automatic promotion spot but crucially 11 points clear of those teams outside of the top six. The Owls currently have odds of 15/8 with Stan James to get promoted at the end of the campaign.