OWLS OF JOY ALL TOO LATE FOR CARLOS
WHERE was this Sheffield Wednesday team and performance when Carlos Carvalhal needed it?
Two days after Carvalhal was shown the door the players he left behind won their first game since November.
But the players owe him for two near-misses at promotion in successive years and this was part of paying their debt.
“It was a bitter-sweet day because a really good man lost his job,” said caretaker manager Lee Bullen.
“The players have owned up and admitted we have not played to the standards we can.”
Bullen could now land the job and, although he isn’t going to apply for it, he added: “If the results keep going the way they are going then it gives the chairman a decision to make.
“I’m a Sheffield Wednesday supporter, and a former player, and I have a good affinity with the club.”
Forest had their moments and Owls keeper Joe Wildsmith made saves from Barrie McKay and Ben Osborn – but they have now won just three of their last 10 games.
The Owls were in front after five minutes when Adam Reach hit a stunning 25-yard shot and before half-time Tyler Walker fouled Morgan Fox at a corner and Jordan Rhodes (above) scored with the penalty.
Lucas Joao slammed a wonderful third after a magnificent Reach run to clinch a first win in eight games.
“I did not understand the penalty decision,” said boss Mark Warburton. “We have to respond against Sunderland on Saturday.”
FOREST: Smith 6, Lichaj 6, Worrall 6, Mancienne 6, Osborn 6, Bridcutt 6, Bouchalakis 5 (Cash 69, 5), Brereton 7, Dowell 6, McKay 5 (Cummings 69, 5), Walker 5 (Ward 80)
SHEFF WED: Wildsmith 7, Palmer 6, Looves 7, Van Aken 7 (Pudil 59, 5), Fox 7, Hutchinson 6, Wallace 7, Reach 8, Hooper 6 (Abdi 34, 6), Rhodes 6, Joao 7 (Jones 71, 5)
REF: Andrew Madley ATT: 28,635