Alan Pardew could make shock return to management

Despite still having a very strong chance of winning promotion to the Premier League this season via the play offs, Sheffield Wednesday are rumoured to have plans to replace manager Carlos Carvalhal, with Alan Pardew one of the main candidates. 

The Daily Mail reports today that regardless of whether Sheffield Wednesday win the play offs or not, Portuguese manager Carvalhal will be replaced by the club's owners. 

Despite having the club on the verge of a return to the Premier League for the first time since 2000, the report suggests that the owners see a fourth place finish in the Championship as an underachievement, considering the investment that has been made in the team. 

Alan Pardew has been out of work since his dismissal from Crystal Palace. He is also being linked with the Middlesbrough manager's role, but if Sheffield Wednesday can win the play offs, he would much prefer a Premier League job. 

After a goalless first leg, The Owls face Huddersfield Town in the play off semi final second leg on Wednesday at Hillsborough, by which time both teams will know who their opponent in the final would be.