Interviews are taking place for the Sheffield Wednesday manager’s job

Matt Hamshaw says he feels the support of Sheffield Wednesday’s executives as he prepares to lead the team again on Sunday against Blackpool.

Hamshaw was named interim boss following the sacking of Henrik Pedersen last weekend. The Star understands interviews for the vacancy have taken place and more will follow into next week. Given his connections with Owls sporting director Simon Wilson, former Stockport County manager Dave Challinor appears to be in a strong position for the job, but it remains to be seen how the process unfolds.

In the meantime, Wednesday have another home game this weekend and Hamshaw is set to be in the dugout again, just like he was on Tuesday against Cambridge United. Hamshaw, a former Owls player, senses a togetherness from everyone as they look to move forward and he is confident the club has a bright future.

He told The Star: “I've been told just to take the club until a new manager comes in. That's what I'm doing. I've enjoyed certain aspects. I've not liked some aspects, but I know this because I've been a manager before. It's been tough and enjoyable in equal measures. But then, that is elite sport and professional football.

“The owners have been really supportive. Simon Wilson’s been really supportive. Dave Bruce has been really supportive. The staff, everybody's been in it together. Any time I've got promotion, that's been the feeling that I've had. Whichever club I've been at, everybody's in it and everybody's rowing in one direction. I think that's what it takes. I've been in things where it's not been great, and you end up getting little cliques and groups, and I don't see any signs of that. And why I kind of chose to come here, I just think it's a club going in right direction, and it's something as I've said that the good times are going to return. We all want them to be yesterday, but good things at times can take time.”

He added: “I'm like everybody else, really, we just want all our players to be back fit and then to have that squad that we can really put our best team out and move forward. But again, like I've just said, doesn't matter who plays, we have to be the best version of ourselves, and I think when we do that, we can beat anybody in this.”

Wednesday could move back into the play-offs with a win this weekend before the league season pauses for the FA Cup. The Owls will check on Liam Cooper, Di’Shon Bernard and Ricardo Santos ahead of the visit from the Tangerines.