Henrik Pedersen has been assistant at Hillsborough for almost two years
Sheffield Wednesday have announced the appointment of Henrik Pedersen as the club’s new manager, following the departure of Danny Rohl on Tuesday.
Pedersen, 47, a Danish national, previously served as assistant under Rohl at Hillsborough, joining the club in October 2023. He had recently signed a contract extension earlier this month, amidst uncertainty surrounding Rohl’s future.
This appointment comes during a period of upheaval for Sheffield Wednesday.
In addition to Rohl’s exit on Tuesday, the club has seen a significant number of player departures in recent weeks. Furthermore, the North Stand at Hillsborough has been closed by the council due to concerns over its ‘structural integrity’.
Adding to the challenges, wage payments were delayed in both May and June, and the club is currently under registration embargoes.
Owner Dejphon Chansiri is reportedly seeking to sell the club, but a takeover has yet to materialize.
This month’s wages were also delayed, with BBC Radio Sheffield reporting on Thursday that some players have now received their July pay.
Reports indicate that players are considering refusing to participate in a training match against Premier League side Burnley on Saturday.
Sheffield Wednesday are scheduled to begin their 2025-26 campaign in just 10 days, with an away fixture against relegated Leicester City on Sunday, August 10.
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Rohl, who guided the team to a 12th-place finish last season, appeared poised to depart last month when he did not return for pre-season training. However, he eventually returned in early July, only to leave by mutual consent on Tuesday.
Pedersen brings prior managerial experience from across Europe, including his native Denmark, as well as Germany and Norway.
“I am incredibly, incredibly proud to become manager of this wonderful football club,” he stated on the club website., external
“Since arriving in Sheffield with my family, the city immediately felt like our home.”
He added: “Is this going to be easy? No! We are maybe in ‘rough waters’ at the moment but as a proud Dane I can tell you that like our Viking ancestors, stormy seas don’t bother us too much. You have to get used to it, to weather the storm to get to calmer waters.
“To the fans, I ask that we stick together. At times we may need to be a little patient as we strive to grow. We all care deeply and will do all we can to bring the great times back to Hillsborough.
“I only ask that you get behind your team.”
Rob Staton, BBC Radio Sheffield reporter
We understand the players aren’t prepared to play in a training match against Burnley. Will they do the same for the league opener against Leicester in just over a week’s time? That would make national headlines and would be a hugely significant statement if it happens.
How Pedersen manages this situation is hard to imagine. What can he do? He might be left with what amounts to an under-21 side to pick from.
The Championship is an unforgiving league. Wednesday could face a points deduction in the future after they and owner Dejphon Chansiri were charged by the EFL. They’re already clear favourites to go down.
Simply put, he might be left hoping a takeover happens soon and that until then he can just about keep things ticking along. There are interested parties out there but it all comes down to one man. Is Chansiri prepared to sell and if so, at a reasonable price?
Until that happens Sheffield Wednesday appear destined to continue being a chaotic mess, creating an incredibly difficult situation for Pedersen to navigate.