'Tough ask' - Sky pundit delivers ominous Sheffield Wednesday verdict as hunt for next manager continues

The Owls began their campaign with a 12-point deduction that was eventually halved, and are currently just one place above the relegation zone, with Derby County and Rotherham United both holding games in hand.

Wednesday have also endured a tumultuous time in the dugout this term, with most recent boss Tony Pulis lasting just 45 days at Hillsborough before getting the sack.

The decision to dismiss the Welshman now means that chairman Dejphon Chansiri is already looking for his third permanent manager of the campaign, and Euell is of the opinion that whoever is appointed could be facing an uphill battle.

Asked whether Wednesday could avoid the drop this season during an appearance on Sky Sports’ Football Show, the pundit said: “It’ll be very difficult.

"Again, we talk about budgets, January transfer windows – what is at their disposal?

"The squad is not the greatest, not the best put together, and all of a sudden you’re looking at your third manager already.

"What needs to be done? There’s a lot of things that have been happening behind the scenes at Sheffield Wednesday, and they have got out of the minus zone because of the points deduction, but it’s going to be a tough ask.

"It was always going to be hard anyway, coming into the season on minus points, so it’s going to be very hard for them to get some results, put some points together, and to stay in the league.

"We all know how competitive the Championship is, and it’s going to be even more difficult until they get a manager in place to try and get something settled moving forward.”

As revealed by The Star on Monday, Chansiri is in no great rush to appoint a new manager at Hillsborough.

The Owls have picked up a number of positive results under interim boss Neil Thompson, and the chairman believes that his side’s upturn in fortunes has not only justified his decision to oust Pulis, but has also bought him some more time in the deliberation process.