Alan Biggs: Do Sheffield Wednesday need a new manager quickly? Yes and no

But the Covid crisis and simply keeping going in the face of it are two right there.

Throw in the acknowledged need to get this appointment right after too many in too short a time and you can’t jump on Sheffield Wednesday Dejphon Chansiri for the delay just yet.

Especially as three straight wins in league and cup have created breathing space, thanks to the combined efforts of Neil Thompson, Lee Bullen, Andy Holdsworth and players.

Where I do agree there is some urgency is in the evaporation of the transfer window and the need for a manager to steer deals in and out; better sooner than later.

Certainly the striker shortage badly needs addressing and no-one should be kidded that the narrow wins over Middlesbrough and Derby, from a fraction of possession, can be repeated on a regular basis. The circumstances, while praiseworthy, were unusual.

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Then again, there isn’t going to be much financial wiggle-room for signings in this window.

And if the owner maintains his favoured methods, as seems likely, you can fairly question how much influence a new manager would have on deals in and out.

Indeed, there remains a possibility that he will revert to the head coach model, into which European “managers” fit more readily.

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Chansiri’s search is being spearheaded from Spain, by a relatively new advisor in Erik Alonso, and from Portugal where the controversial influence of Amadeu Paixao remains.

Logically, from that, you might expect a European appointment. It’s possible, from things you hear, that the two advisors might favour different ones.

Maybe it’s another pointer away from the English market that Chansiri’s last theee appointments, Steve Bruce, Garry Monk and Tony Pulis, were all domestic.

None worked out for greatly varying reasons. Would that put the chairman off the likes of Paul Cook, with whom conversations have been had?

My view on Cook’s suitability remains firm for all the reasons previously expressed here. But outside opinions have no bearing, unless Chansiri takes heed of the overwhelming support for Cook from the fan base.

Must say I’ve never been overly confident that things are heading that way. Perhaps a pleasant surprise? Ultimately, it’s the club’s view that matters.

But time to decide is not limitless. Favoured candidates can be lured elsewhere in the meantime - and the team does need a clear sense of new direction.