Managers since Premiership relegation (2000)

Since that relegation from Englands elite league, Sheffield Wednesday have gone through a lot of managers, plenty of lows and not many highs. This blog documents who they were and where they are now, ending with the appointment of Dave Jones in 2012.

Peter Shreeves:

The Owls were relegated under the caretaker-management of Shreeves, whom he took over from Danny Wilson at the bottom of the table. Managing a few decent results wasn't enough as the Owls slipped through the trapdoor to the First Division. Shreeves didn't do enough to land the job full time and was replaced by Paul Jewell. He eventually replaced him at the helm in February 2001. He resigned in October 2001. He later went on to manage at Barnet and ultimately Grays Athletic before retiring in 2010.

Paul Jewell:

Wednesday experienced a poor time under the leadership of Jewell and lasted barely 8 months with the former Bradford City manager - appointing his predecessor to the role. After leaving the Owls, Jewell went on to manage at Wigan Athletic, Derby County and Ipswich Town, where he left in October 2012 following a poor spell.

Terry Yorath:

After resigning from Wednesday in 2002 after a run of five defeats in six league matches and a drop into the relegation zone, Yorath went into the football wilderness and reappeared in 2008, as 'Director of Football' at Margate - only to resign in September 2009 after being appointed the club manager earlier in the season.

Chris Turner:

Ex-Wednesday goalkeeper, Turner had a 2 year reign at Hillsborough from November 2002. A relegation fight was his first task, which saw a slide into English footballs third tier. After promising a promotion campaign would follow, the Owls fans had little to celebrate as a disappointing 16th place finish made the clubs worst finish in 30 years. This was used as a motivation for Turner and his players who the following season achieved promotion. September 2004 saw a controversial end to Turners SWFC career as he was sacked after what was deemed a slow start, with the Owls in 14th at the time. Turner went on to manage at Stockport County and Hartlepool United (as caretaker). In 2010 he was to return to SWFC with the intent of buying his former club, with a consortium of businessmen. December 2011 saw Turner become Chesterfield FCs Chief Executive.

Paul Sturrock:

23rd September 2004 saw the arrival of the Scotsman Paul Sturrock. Taking over with the club in 14th place in the league, Sturrock guided the Owls to the play-offs where after overcoming Brentford, Wednesday would face Hartlepool in the final at Cardiffs Millenium Stadium. A 4-2 extra time victory saw the Owls promoted to the Championship. Upon Wednesdays first season back in the Championship, Sturrock guided the club to a 10-point clear of relegation finish. Although he signed a new 4 year contract on the 14th September, Sturrock was sacked just 5 weeks later.He went on to manage at Swindon, Plymouth and is now in charge at Southend Utd.

Brian Laws:

For the next 3 years Wednesday were under the guidance of former Scunthorpe manager Brian Laws. He was likened to Brian Clough in management styles by then chairman Dave Allen. A league double over bitter rivals Sheffield United saw Laws go down in history as the first manager in 95 years to accomplish the feat. It was during this reign that Burnley approached him but were put off by compensation demands by the financially stricken S6 club. December 2009 saw Laws leave the club by mutual consent after a poor run of form. He went on to manage Burnley in January 2010 but was sacked the following December.

Alan Irvine:

Wednesday started well in 2010 under Irvines leadership, beating Barnsley, Blackpool & Peterborough Utd - resulting in a Manager of the Month award for the Scotsman. That form didn't continue throughout the season and a heartbreaking 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace on the final day of the season saw Sheffield Wednesday drop to the third tier again. Financial nightmares then took hold of the proud club and it was during these months that Sheffield Wednesday were coming dangerously close to going out of business. A successful takeover by Milan Mandaric saved the club from extinction and he allowed Irvine to strengthen the squad. New faces didn't change the Owls on-field performances and in February 2011 Irvine was sacked, leaving the club in 12th place. After leaving the club, he went back to former club Everton to work with the clubs academy where he still works.

Gary Megson:

A name synonymous with Sheffield Wednesday is 'Megson'. In this case, its former midfielder Gary - son of Wednesday legend, Don. After an explosive ending to his Bolton management days, Gary was appointed manager of the Owls on 4th February 2011 - one day after Alan Irvine was sacked. The season was relatively successful for Megson who for the majority of it, flirted with the automatic promotion/play-off places. However, losses against Stevenage and teams who Mr Mandaric and the fans were expecting wins against started Megson on a perilous path. You can make no doubts about Gary Megsons popularity - masks of his face were seen every game in the terraces as a form of support. A memory that sticks in my mind is the Steel City derby, getting banter from the United fans, Megson lifted his jumper to reveal the clubs crest on his t-shirt, he simply smiled at the rival fans and pounded the famous badge of his beloved Owls (above pic). Just over one year after being hired, he was fired - with his last game coming in the form of that 1-0 victory over Steel City rivals, United. He left the club with the third best win percentage in the clubs history and a place in many fans' hearts.

Dave Jones:

Brought in to steady the ship and with the aim of play-off victory, Dave Jones arrived at Hillsborough on 1st March 2012. Such was the boost given to the side, Wednesday overtook rivals United - who had a 5 point & 2 game in hand advantage over the Owls, to finish second to Charlton Athletic in League One. This surpassed Wednesday fans expectations and the end of season run-in (13 games unbeaten) resulted in a 2-0 victory over Wycombe Wanderers and had Wednesday fans on cloud 9. Sheffield Wednesday were promoted back to the Championship. When Wednesday dropped to second from bottom in December 2013, Jones was dismissed having won only once all season.

Stuart Gray:
Following the departure of Jones, his assistant Stuart Gray took the Wednesday hot seat on a temporary basis with the support of Development Squad head coach Lee Bullen. An upturn in form saw Gray installed as a favourite for the job on a permanent basis and as of the 25th January 2014, he was appointed to Head Coach of the Owls with Bullen floating his services between the first and Development squads.