Sheffield Wednesday parted company with Manager Dave Jones today following yet another defeat for the Championship club on Saturday.
A statement on the clubs official website, www.swfc.co.uk confirmed that Jones had been relieved of his duties with immediate effect. In thanking the former Cardiff manager for his work the club also stated that they would not be making any further official comment at this stage.
Jones replaced Gary Megson as Owls manager in February 2012 and a run of 12 wins and 2 draws in League One guided the club to what appeared to be unlikely automatic promotion place at the time he took over.
With renewed vigour and attacking intent Wednesday continued their fine form on their return to the Championship at the start of the 2012/13 season. 2 wins and a draw from their opening 3 matches saw them placed among the front runners but from then on it has largely been a struggle during Jones' last 15 months in charge.
The Owls slipped into the Championship relegation zone as Christmas approached and although they produced a gritty and determined 2nd half of the campaign their safety was only confirmed on the final day of the season.
This season has been a story of almost complete disappointment to date. The Owls have managed just one win from 16 Championship games and were knocked out of the League Cup in the first round by local rivals Rotherham.
Jones was justified in feeling hard done by in some of Wednesday's first few games as it appeared his side were not getting the rub of the green. Of late however they appear to have lacked competitiveness and spirit and have been soundly beaten in their last 3 matches. The Owls are currently rooted in the Championship relegation zone, only ahead of bottom club Barnsley on goal difference.
Former Owls players Paolo Di Canio and Benito Carbone are amongst the possibilities listed to replace Jones with the bookies as are Michael Appleton and Stuart Pearce.