Sheffield Wednesday confirm positive COVID tests - Neil Thompson will not be in charge against Exeter City
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The Owls will face Exeter City in the FA Cup on Saturday, but will be without a number of players – as well as their caretaker manager and his assistants – for their trip to St James Park.
It was reported earlier in the week that the club had closed down their Middlewood Road training ground because of Coronavirus scare at the club, and it has since been confirmed that it remains closed despite the fact that the game will be going ahead.
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Now, with the game just a couple of days away, Wednesday have explained that Andy Holdsworth, an academy coach, will lead the team against the Grecians this coming weekend.
In a statement on the club’s official website, they said, “Sheffield Wednesday can confirm that a significant number of club personnel have returned positive results for COVID-19 following tests conducted this week.
“Amongst those affected are caretaker manager Neil Thompson and his temporary assistants Lee Bullen and Steven Haslam. Consequently, the trio will be absent from the dugout when the Owls travel to Exeter in the third round of the Emirates FA Cup on Saturday.
“Academy coach Andy Holdsworth, assisted by Darryl Pugh, Nicky Weaver and Tony Strudwick, will take charge of the team at St James Park.
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“All personnel who have tested positive are now in a period of isolation in line with Government protocol. The club’s Middlewood Road training complex was closed down earlier this week and will remain so until further notice. SWFC would like to wish all our staff who have returned a positive test a safe and speedy recovery.”
It remains to be seen just how many others have been affected by the outbreak at the club, but it seems likely that there will be plenty of players who will not be able to make the trip to Exeter – something that opens up an even bigger door to some of the youngsters who will be eager to try and make an impact.
It was always expected that Thompson would be utilising the club’s academy in the FA Cup, and that may well now be even more of a necessity.