Owls’ Ritchie Bid Rejected

South Yorkshire rivals Barnsley have rejected an approach from Wednesday to talk to boss Andy Ritchie about the vacant manager’s post at Hillsborough.

The Owls have been looking to talk to a number of bosses since the sacking of Paul Sturrock last Thursday – but it looks like the 45-year-old could well be crossed off the Owls hitlist.

Barnsley chairman Gordon Shepherd told BBC Radio Sheffield: ‘I refused the request and rejected it in writing so there’s absolutely no argument. When I told Andy we had an approach he looked surprised, then we discussed extending his contract here.’

Owls chairman Dave Allen had hinted an approach would be made for the Tykes boss – who guided the Oakwell club to the Championship via the play-offs last season – after revealing his admiration at the way Barnsley play their football.

But it now looks as though the Wednesday board will be turning their attentions elsewhere – with former England, Aston Villa and Watford boss Graham Taylor currently being the bookmakers favourite for the post.

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