Carvalhal is under pressure from some Sheffield Wednesday supporters.
Sheffield Wednesday head coach Carlos Carvalhal
Some Sheffield Wednesday fans are calling for the head of Carlos Carvalhal, with the Owls holding on to a top-six place by the skin of their teeth.
Trying to attract a replacement at this late stage of the campaign, however, could prove a difficult ask, and Wednesday would perhaps have to settle for someone already out of work should they dispose of the Portuguese.
The following four names are all available, but would any be worthwhile appointments?
Nigel Pearson
Wednesday’s 1991 League Cup-winning captain, Pearson would be a popular hire among those of a certain age. The 53-year-old won two promotions with Leicester and once kept Southampton afloat after arriving late in the 2007/08 season, which could bode well. However, the Steel City resident’s recent career has been shrouded in controversy, and Derby were third bottom of the table after his final game in charge last September, with only three goals to their name.
Alan Pardew
The vastly experienced Pardew was touted as a potential England manager not so long ago, but was sacked by Crystal Palace at the end of 2016 after a wretched calendar year. The 55-year-old has twice delivered promotion as a manager – once via the play-offs – and won the Football League Trophy at Southampton in 2010. That said, you are unlikely to find too many with a fondness for Pardew at any of his former clubs.
Aitor Karanka
Karanka left Middlesbrough last week after the Teessiders dropped into the Premier League’s bottom three, although the Spaniard’s appointment would certainly appeal to some, given his success over the previous two campaigns and perhaps the fact he’s a close friend of Jose Mourinho. On the other hand, the 43-year-old has a penchant for a strop and a reputation for being a divisive figure behind the scenes. Recent Owls signings Adam Reach and, in particular, Jordan Rhodes, may not take too kindly to his arrival.
Harry Redknapp
A close friend of Wednesday’s former owner Milan Mandaric, Redknapp could be a decent outside bet were Carvalhal to depart. Having turned 70 this month, the former Tottenham boss is unlikely to be after anything long-term, which would suit the Owls. He won the play-offs with QPR in 2014 and has two other promotions to speak of, but has never managed anywhere north of White Hart Lane and wouldn’t have the option to wheel and deal – a trait he’s widely renowned for.
Should Sheffield Wednesday replace Carvalhal with any of the above?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
