Axed Norwich City boss Nigel Worthington will immediately be installed as one of the favourites to take over at Sheffield Wednesday after Paul Sturrock was sacked by the Owls yesterday.

Axed Norwich City boss Nigel Worthington will immediately be installed as one of the favourites to take over at Sheffield Wednesday after Paul Sturrock was sacked by the Owls yesterday.

Sturrock paid the price for a poor start to the season which has seen them slip to fourth from bottom of the Championship after six defeats in 12 matches- the latest a 4-0 thumping at Colchester on Tuesday night.

Worthington, who is also in the frame to take over from Kevin Blackwell at Leeds, will undoubtedly be keen for a return to Hillsborough, where he remains a favourite among the Wednesday faithful.

The Northern Irishman played more than 400 times in 10 years at Wednesday, before heading to Leeds for two seasons.

He took over at Norwich at the very beginning of 2001, but before the end of the year had already been linked with a move to Wednesday in the light of Peter Shreeves' departure as manager - admitting he would be interested.

Worthington is held in high regard among Wednesday followers and always received a good reception from their supporters when in charge of Norwich teams.

Wednesday said yesterday that an announcement regarding who will take charge of the team on Saturday will be made today, and that the search had already begun for a new manager.

Chairman Dave Allen said: “Our league position says it all. However, the chairman and directors would like to place on record our thanks to Paul for his efforts.

“No one will forget that wonderful day we all had at Cardiff when we won the play-offs and were subsequently promoted to the Championship.

“Unfortunately, in spite of strengthening the squad this year, we have not made the desired progress and, to that end, we need a change in the coaching staff.”