According to the Athletic, Paul Cook has turned down the chance to become Sheffield Wednesday’s new manager because there were no guarantees of a long-term project.
The former Wigan Athletic manager was a top contender for the Owls job.
Cook even said he applied for the Owls job in October, telling Talksport’s EFL show how he originally missed out on the post to Tony Pulis who lasted just 45 days in charge.
Cook went on to say he has held talks with Wednesday again this time around, and he was overwhelmed by the support he has received from Owls fans across social media platforms.
But the latest report from the Athletic claims the 53-year-old has turned the job down.
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The Athletic say Cook was only offered a short-term deal until the end of the season, thus not giving him the guarantees to build his own team for a long-term project.
The ball is firmly back in Wednesday’s court. The Yorkshire club can seemingly still tempt Cook, but it would require them to offer the experienced boss a long-term contract.
Owls owner Dejphon Chansiri, however, is taking his time and journalist Alan Biggs recently claimed interim boss Neil Thompson may end up taking the reigns until the end of the season.
It’s a risk either way for the Owls. Chansiri has seen British managers Steve Bruce, Garry Monk and Tony Pulis depart early after originally signing long-term deals at the club.
On the other hand, relegation to League One is a real possibility this season.
Wednesday are six points adrift of safety following their 2-0 defeat at Coventry City on Wednesday. With teams above them gaining momentum, the Owls have a big ask on their hands.
Moreover, the club have yet to rectify their lack of goals this month as the transfer window closes in a few days. Convincing players to join a struggling with no permanent manager in charge may be difficult.
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