Need for Speed: Time is of the essence for Sheffield Wednesday – Joe Crann’s column

Dejphon Chansiri is right to move quickly when appointing the next Sheffield Wednesday manager, because time isn’t a luxury that the Owls can afford right now.
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The list of potential candidates for the position recently vacated by Garry Monk has been vast and far-reaching, but over the last couple of days it’s becoming increasingly clear that there is one standout candidate.

My understanding is that, as reported elsewhere, Tony Pulis is indeed the frontrunner as Monk’s successor at Hillsborough, although at this point in time there has been no official comment from the club that has named names.

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Who took Sheffield Wednesday’s training session today as the Owls returned
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One thing Chansiri did do, however, was mention the need for speed in terms of a decision being made, despite insisting that he won’t be rushed into one.

Speaking to Jim White on talkSPORT, the SWFC chairman spoke of a plethora of applications, saying, “I want to do the best thing for the club, it’s an amazing club… We need time to think about it.

“I think (we need to hire somebody) as soon as possible. Actually there are many managers who have sent offers, so we need to look at it and see who is the best.

“Every manager is good and has good experience and ability, but I can choose just one. So I’ll try to choose the best I can choose at the moment.”

Sheffield Wednesday need to replace Garry Monk quickly. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)Sheffield Wednesday need to replace Garry Monk quickly. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Sheffield Wednesday need to replace Garry Monk quickly. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
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That ‘as soon as possible’ is right, because Wednesday can’t afford too many blips this season, and the run of games last month was already a major blip that could affect their chances of survival. A long period in limbo is the last thing they need.

It’s already become glaringly obvious that Pulis, who is now the out-and-out favourite for the job, would not be a universally celebrated decision, but when you look at Wednesday’s current plight down at the bottom of the table, he’s probably as a safe a bet as you can find in terms of securing Championship status.

The Welshman has never been relegated, not once in his career. And I’m talking as a player, coach or manager. That’s a pretty impressive statistic considering the teams he’s been in charge of, and he’s got a couple of promotions (and plenty of Premier League experience) under his belt as well.

Ultimately, we don’t know whether ‘TP’ will be the right appointment if he does eventually get the job, but whoever comes in, you’d be hoping that something could get done early next week.

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This group of Wednesday players, and the ever-loyal fanbase, have endured so much uncertainty over the past 18 months or so, so – for me – it’s vital that more of that is avoided as much as possible.

Neil Thompson is sticking around and I understand it he has taken training today, and the fact that the widely-respected Tony Strudwick is also staying should also be celebrated.

But if the new manager, whoever it is, could do with being on the bench against Preston North End next week, and a few days training before that game certainly wouldn’t go amiss.

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