Neil Thompson addresses speculation he will be appointed permanent Sheffield Wednesday manager

A huge number of managers have been linked with the role, with some having come and gone in the running.

One name that has been there throughout, however, is caretaker boss Neil Thompson. Time is ticking on the current transfer window, one of the factors that has seen speculation increase that Thompson could be offered a role until the end of the season, or even more permanently.

But as he has throughout his step-in tenure, he chose to keep his cards close to his chest as to whether he would be interested in a longer-term position.

Thompson said: “I’ve been at the club a long time and whether a new manager comes in or not I’m quite relaxed about it.

“My job at this moment in time is to prepare the team for games. That’s what I’m doing, whatever comes out of the other end of it, that’s fine.

“I’m not putting myself under any pressure thinking ‘I’ve got to do this or I’ve got to do that’, ultimately whatever position you have, you give everything you’ve got to put them in the best position you possibly can. At the end of the day, in terms of the manager’s position, whatever comes, comes.”

Asked whether he has been given any time frame by Dejphon Chansiri as to when a decision is to be expected, he said: “I haven’t been given anything. I’ve spoken to people at the club in terms of players and the squad and where we are for games, but that’s where we are.

“I’m pretty relaxed about it. It’s football and I’ve been in it long enough to know that whatever happens, happens.

“Me and the other staff are really just preparing the teams for what lies ahead of us. It’s going to be a really tough few months.”

Barry Bannan confirmed he was nearing the end of his contract negotiations and asked on the progress of those of Tom Lees and Adam Reach, Thompson said:

“It’s not part of my remit and it’s not something I can really comment on. A lot of the stuff is ongoing. That’s where it is at this moment in time.”