Four Labour MPs, including Cabinet Minister David Blunkett, have called for the sacking of Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Wilson.

Education and Employment Secretary Blunkett, Joe Ashton, Bill Michie and Clive Betts - who all represent Sheffield constituencies - made the demand to investment company Charterhouse.

The move sparked a fierce attack from the Owls board, which then prompted Ashton to resign from his position as vice-president of the club.

Wednesday are languishing at the foot of the Premiership, having claimed just 10 points from the first 20 games - a record league low.

Charterhouse hold a 36% in Wednesday following their £15.6m investment in the club - but they have no say in the day-to-day running.

The four MPS are all Wednesday supporters, but they have made it clear they blame Wilson for the team's demise and now want him out.

Vital derby

"Any other premiership club would have sacked the manager by now," Betts said.

"You judge people on results. When you are looking pretty certain to be relegated you look at all your options to change things."

Wilson, who was rated as one of the country's best young managers but has since suffered a torrid season, was furious that the comments were made ahead of the vital Yorkshire derby clash with fellow strugglers Bradford City.

"I just think it's pathetic timing," he said. "I would have thought people of their stature would know better."

And Wednesday chairman Dave Richards, who was criticised by the MPs for backing Wilson, admitted he was disappointed with the comments.

"My initial reaction is to tell them to get on with the business of politics whilst we get on with the business of football," Richards said.

"But, I don't want to get involved with any war of words at this time. Everyone at Sheffield Wednesday has to concentrate on working to stay in the Premiership.

"I truly believe at this moment the best way to do that is by offering every support to both manager and players."

'Back to the terraces'

Ashton revealed he had decided to quit as vice-president and end his association with the club as a result of a dispute with Richards.

"Following the heated exchanges I have had with the chairman at Stamford Bridge and Villa Park and at other games recently, I can no longer support the board on its current policies, either financial or football," Ashton said.

"Following the 8-0 defeat at Newcastle I told several members of the board that decisive action was necessary for Wednesday to stay in the Premier League and I have continued to say so ever since.

"Unfortunately no sign of any action has been forthcoming. Consequently it is better if I return to the terraces where I came from and where I can express my opinions in an open way and in a genuine debate on the future of Sheffield Wednesday."