Sheffield Wednesday sack Henrik Pedersen as eighth‑place slump deepens
Sheffield Wednesday have dismissed manager Henrik Pedersen after just 11 League One games, ending a campaign that began with four wins from five but now finds the Owls languishing eighth following defeats to Notts County and Doncaster in recent weeks.
Season of turmoil and restructuring
Pedersen stepped up to the Wednesday helm before the start of last season, promoted from his role as assistant to Danny Rohl. The Owls then endured the worst season of any team in Football League history, managing only 18 points in the Championship campaign. Former owner Dejphon Chansiri was forced out, the club entered administration and suffered an 18‑point deduction, leaving them on zero points on the final day after a first home win against West Brom.
The US‑based consortium Arise finalised its takeover on the same day, handing Pedersen a squad rebuilt with 18 new players for the League One challenge. The board now believes a change is required to steer the club forward.
Sacking and interim appointment
Sporting Director Simon Wilson said: “First and foremost, I want to thank Henrik for his professionalism, commitment and contribution during an exceptionally challenging period for Sheffield Wednesday. We knew the start of this season would be difficult due to the scale of change across the club, but we have not seen enough progress. Making a change now gives us the best opportunity to establish a clear identity and build towards the second half of the season.”
Former Owls player and Rotherham manager Matt Hamshaw, who was part of Pedersen’s coaching staff, will take charge as interim boss until a permanent appointment is made.
Wednesday opened the season positively, winning four of their first five fixtures. Home goalless draws against Wigan and Stockport followed, before a 5‑0 victory over AFC Wimbledon on Saturday. The subsequent defeats at Meadow Lane and in the South Yorkshire derby at Doncaster proved the tipping point for Pedersen.
Fans angrily chanted for his removal and their demand has now been met. Wednesday travel to face Cambridge at Hillsborough on Tuesday night. James Whaling wrote the report for Sport.