Former Sheffield Wednesday defender speaks about being in running for Rotherham United job

Veteran defender Richard Wood, a Sheffield Wednesday academy graduate who played 189 times for the Owls between 2003 and 2010, has taken on the position of caretaker manager after the departure of Paul Warne to Derby County.

Despite speculation linking a number of names with the job, it is Wood that will take charge of the Millers’ clash with Wigan Athletic this weekend.

But is he keen on the role itself?

“I knew this question was coming,” he smiled in conversation with BBC Sheffield. “My answer is that I do have aspirations to do it [go into management], that’s something that I’ve been looking at anyway and I’ve been doing my coaching badges.

“But I’m just focused on Wigan. All I’ve been told is to take training this week and to focus on Wigan. That’s the end of it at the moment.

MORE: Sheffield Wednesday bring in new face as former West Bromwich Albion man comes on board

“I’m just open to everything. I’m enjoying what we’re doing at the moment, what the club have asked me to do and that’s just Wigan tomorrow. That’s all I’ve been told so far and that’s what I’ll do.

“After that point, who knows what the club will do? I’ve loved working with the lads this week it’s difficult on the pitch, but it’s something I’ve managed to do and everybody has responded to what I’ve been saying, which I’m quite pleased about.”