The money men at Hillsborough all breathed a huge sigh of relief today when another eight players were struck off the club’s wage bill – although Chris Turner took no pleasure in the task.

Sheffield Wednesday manager Chris Turner has wasted little time in wielding the axe by releasing eight out-of-contract players at Hillsborough.

Under-pressure Sunderland boss Howard Wilkinson has been dealt a double blow as he attempts to engineer his great escape.