Irvine sacked by Wednesday
February 03, 2011 13:14:02 UK
Sheffield Wednesday have confirmed the dismissal of manager Alan Irvine after just over a year in charge at Hillsborough.
The former Preston boss, 52, has been sacked by Wednesday chairman Milan Mandaric following a six-game winless run which culminated in Tuesday's 5-3 defeat at Peterborough.
Mandaric told Press Association Sport: "It is unfortunate, but this had to take place. The decision has been made on what is in the best interests of the club.
"We will be making further announcements in due course."
The Owls' defeat at Peterborough left them 12th in the table, eight points adrift of the play-offs and only five above the relegation zone.
Sheffield Wednesday can be backed at 1213.00 to be promoted from League One.
Irvine, who held crisis talks with Mandaric yesterday after the heavy loss at London Road, had been backed by his chairman during the January transfer window.
The Scot had brought Reda Johnson, Michael Morrison, Mark Reynolds, Gary Madine and Isaiah Osbourne to Hillsborough in recent weeks.
Assistant manager Rob Kelly and coach Billy Barr will take charge until a successor for Irvine is found.
Wednesday face MK Dons on Saturday and are 1.80 to win the League One clash with the visitors 3.80 and the draw 4.00.
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