It was less than a week ago that the former Bolton Wanderers manager led his side to all 3 points in the steel city derby. It was Sunday afternoon, the sun was out and Hillsborough was jumping as Chris O'Grady netted the only goal of the game, His first reaction on scoring was to run to his manger and celebrate for all to see that the squad was united behind him.
In the build up to the game there had been rumours of unrest at the club but with Megson landing his side the local bragging rights all that was thought to be forgotten, so when the news broke late on wednesday night that Milan Mandaric had terminated Megsons contract there was an air of disbelief among the supporters.
Mandaric released a statement saying:
"It was very a hard decision but it was the best decision for our supporters," he said. "It was not done for me or for anyone else, it was done for the best of the club."
As always in football life moves on very quickly and within 48 hours Mandaric has his man and that man is former Wolves and Cardiff boss Dave Jones. The 55 year old has a very good reputation in the game, a history of building sides that can challenge at the right end of the table.
What can the Wednesday fans expect to get from the new man?
In many ways Jones is probably the exact opposite of his predecessor, he wont be thumping his chest and screaming at his side for 90 minutes, his style is a calmer approach a more reserved figure on the touchline.
Is he the right man for Wednesday?
Personally I think not, they already had in charge a man whose blood ran blue and white, the type of manager who when it comes down to the business end of the season has the ability to motivate a side and its supporters.
From the outside I just don't see Dave Jones as an impact manager, if he is given time then yes he will build a strong side at S6 however as Mandaric has already shown he is not prepared to wait around for glory.
Have Wednesday missed a trick?
Undoubtedly, by sacking a popular manger when things are going reasonably well the new man has to hit the ground running especially one with no prior connection to the club.
It is imperative that Dave Jones starts well or the atmosphere around the club will change drastically. Last weeks result should have pushed SWFC on and started a snowball effect leading into the end of season run in where as now a couple of poor results could see the side fall away from the top two.
Once the decision was made to look for a new manger the club should have gone for only one man, a fans favourite, a figure who is popular with the media, someone who would get the crowd on there feet and make players believe that they can land that last automatic promotion spot. That man is Paolo Di Canio.
The Swindon Town boss has had a remarkable year, his side currently top of the league are great to watch and play with passion and belief. His contacts throughout Europe would have been beneficial in bringing better quality players to Hillsborough especially with Mandaric able to financially back him in the transfer market.
It would have been a perfect fit and one that would have probably left fans saying Gary who?
Sheffield Wednesday have two games in 4 days so by this time next week Manadaric will
either be smiling or frantically worrying that he has shot himself and the club in the foot.
Only time will tell.
