From the Athletic:
'Sheffield Wednesday's hopes of landing Paul Cook have been dealt a blow after he rejected their offer of joining on a short-term contract until the end of the season, Nancy Frostick can reveal.
Cook has long been considered one of the prime candidates for the vacant managerial position at Wednesday, as they look for a permanent replacement after sacking Tony Pulis in late December.
If appointed before the end of the season, the next manager will be Wednesday's third since the start of the campaign as the Championship relegation battle grows more intense.
What happened with Cook?
It appears Cook made it as far as interview and discussions with the Wednesday hierarchy but The Athletic understands talks broke down when it became clear the deal on offer would only run until the end of the season.
Cardiff City also approached Cook with a similar deal after they sacked Neil Harris but a longer-term deal with greater stability is thought to be more favourable for the former Chesterfield boss.
It is not out of the question that an agreement between the parties could be reached but that would rely on Wednesday tabling a longer contract.
Why did he turn down the job?
The proposition of such a short-term deal means that Cook would not be guaranteed the chance to build his own team as part of a long term project.
The impact of off-field turmoil at former club Wigan will be fresh in Cook's mind as he looks for greater stability in his next job and Wednesday's high managerial turnover in recent years is hard to avoid.
How much of a blow is this to Wednesday?
Cook is a popular candidate with fans and he was a frontrunner for the position for some time, although there are concerns that he might prove to be too similar to former manager Pulis.
Cook's experience with Wigan in taking them to the brink of survival last season made him seem like the perfect candidate to help Wednesday in their battle to avoid relegation.
The search for a permanent appointment goes on as the club enters a congested period of ten matches in five weeks.
Is there any indication of who Wednesday will turn to next?
Genuine candidates for the position have been thin on the ground with Wednesday owner Dejphon Chansiri taking his time to make sure he lands the right person for the job.
Since Wednesday have enjoyed good form under caretaker manager Neil Thompson, they have earned some breathing room for the owner to take a considered approach with the appointment.
Thompson is emerging as a strong candidate to remain in charge as caretaker manager until the end of the season after an upturn in performances and results.' |  |
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