Sheffield Wednesday players must ‘stick together’ as talks continue with target Tony Pulis

The 62-year-old, out of football since leaving Middlesbrough by mutual consent at the end of the 2018-19 season, is poised to succeed Garry Monk for a second time after replacing him on Teesside back in December, 2017.

Lauded for his sterling work at Stoke City in particular, Pulis boasts vast experience in the game and also enjoyed success at the likes of West Brom and Crystal Palace – earning the Premier League manager of the season award during his time with the Eagles in 2013-14.

Reports suggest that David Kemp, who worked with Pulis for many years as his trusted deputy, will join Pulis in South Yorkshire as his No 2, with betting on the next manager having been suspended

Meanwhile, Owls players returned to training on Thursday with club stalwart Neil Thompson taking sessions at Middlewood Road, with Wednesday – only kept off the bottom of the Championship by goal difference – returning to action at Preston on Saturday night.

Monk was shown the door after an underwhelming start to the campaign and despite proving a popular and unifying figure with players, results ultimately dictated the fate of the 41-year-old.

The Owls won three times in 11 league games in 2020-21 under Monk, whose side had won just twice at home since last Christmas.

The 41-year-old was sacked on Monday evening.

Senior defender and former captain Tom Lees acknowledged: “We have been around long enough to know that’s how the business works.

“Obviously, we all were right behind the last manager and his staff.

“I personally really enjoyed working with him and his staff, so I am very grateful for what he did for me while he was here.

“But now, we have to focus as a team and stick together and whoever comes in, we have to take on board what he wants and we have got to stick together as a group and make sure we get some better results.

“But the one thing the last manager and his staff built was that togetherness, positivity and attitude and we have got to take that forward whoever comes in.

“We have to focus on getting ready now as it is a clean slate for everybody and it is about going and showing him that you deserve to be playing.”

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