West Brom and Birmingham City’s Championship rivals announce another manager sacking

Sheffield Wednesday have sacked manager Xisco Muñoz in the wake of Tuesday night’s 1-0 defeat at West Brom. He is the second Championship boss to leave his post this season after Neil Warnock departed from Huddersfield Town last month.

The Owls sit bottom of the table after 10 games, having picked up just two points from their opening matches with their winless start forcing the hand of the Hillsborough decision makers.

John Swift’s 13th-minute goal on Tuesday night handed Wednesday their eighth loss from the first 10 games of the league season as Munoz vowed to fight on as manager following the defeat.

He said: “I understand the fans and I can only say sorry because it’s tough for everybody. But as a manager, I can say we will continue until my last second. This is my life and I try to give my best to my players until my last minute.”

However, a club statement confirmed: “Sheffield Wednesday have parted company with Xisco Muñoz, who leaves Hillsborough with immediate effect.

“Xisco’s backroom staff - Miguel Muñoz, Miguel Gomila, Roberto Cuesta Roman and Antonello Brambilla - also depart the club.

“Under-21s manager Neil Thompson will take the team for Saturday’s home game against Huddersfield Town in the Championship. The Owls would like to thank Xisco and his staff for their services and wish them well for the future. The process to appoint a new manager is now underway and we will make no further comment at this time.”

The sacking comes amid a turbulent period for the Championship rivals of West Brom and Birmingham City after owner Dejphon Chansiri published a long statement last week to hit out at fan criticism and threaten to withdraw funding.

Birmingham’s first game against the Owls comes after the November international break. Former Watford boss Munoz was appointed at Wednesday in July following the departure of ex-Baggies boss Darren Moore.

Moore has since being appointed at Huddersfield, replacing Warnock, with the Terriers making the trip to Hillsborough on Saturday afternoon.