Former Aston Villa manager now favourite to land Sheffield Wednesday role after shock sacking

The Liverpool legend has now been installed as 6/4 favourite to replace Moore at Wednesday after the former West Bromwich Albion centre-back surprisingly parted company with the Owls following their promotion into the second tier.

In the statement released last week confirming Moore’s departure, Owls chairman Dejphon Chansiri explained how they had come to a mutual agreement as praised his now former manager, saying: “Both parties believe that now is the right time we go our separate ways.

“The journey of Sheffield Wednesday with Darren has been in many ways unique and always as a team. In the football industry, journeys come to an end and now is that time, which we both agree. The mutual respect we have for each other is immense on a personal and professional basis and I offer my sincere thanks for the dedication and commitment Darren has given to our club. Darren will always be welcome at Hillsborough.”

Gerrard is not the only familiar face to be linked with the vacancy as the Owls prepare to return to pre-season training after former Wednesday manager Carlos Carvalhal and former Villa boss Dean Smith were also said to be among the candidates to succeed Moore.

Gerrard has been out of work since he left Villa Park in October last week and has recently undertaken a punditry role with Channel 4 during their coverage of England’s Euro 2024 qualifiers.

The former Villa boss was asked about speculation linking him with a vacancy Saudi Arabia Pro League club Al-Ettifaq ahead of Monday’s 7-0 win over North Macedonia - but he explained he had rejected an offer after spending time considering his options.

He said: “A lot has been said in the media, a lot of it is not true. I was invited over there to look at a potential offer, which I did, and I have been analysing that over the last couple of days,” he continued. “But, as we stand right now, I won’t be taking that offer up.”