It was one game yesterday but it cost both managers their jobs as both Sheffield Wednesday and Middlesbrough head in to Christmas Day with no permanent hand on the tiller.
It was Middlesbrough who sacked Garry Monk first last night, despite the 2-1 win over the Owls. It was the Owls who responded this morning in relieving Carlos Carvalhal of his position at Hillsborough.
Carvalhal had been at the South Yorkshire club since July 1 2015, a span of two-and-a-half-years in charge and with 130 games under his belt for Wednesday. He steered the club to the play-off semi-final last season, but this season has been something of a struggle.
Wednesday’s form has been inconsistent to say the least and Carvalhal leaves a side that is 15th in the league – 11 points shy of the last of the play-off places.
Wednesday announced the departure of Carvalhal by the ubiquitous ‘mutual consent’ in a statement on the club website. This statement, authored and read by chairman Dejphon Chansiri, read: “I would like to offer my sincere thanks to Carlos for the time, effort and commitment he has given Sheffield Wednesday over the last two and a half years. Both parties believe the time is right to go our separate ways.”
Carvalhal said himself of his departure from the club: “Of course, I am very sad at this moment because I have enjoyed my two seasons and a half so much with Sheffield Wednesday. We had two fantastic seasons and two play-offs on the row but unfortunately we have not managed to replicate these positions this season.”
Wednesday’s thoughts now turn to the rest of the festive fixtures and focus on the hunt for a new manager – Lee Bullen only being placed in temporary charge.
