Troubled Sheff Wed appoint Pedersen as manager

Henrik Pedersen has been assistant at Hillsborough for almost two years

Sheffield Wednesday have appointed Henrik Pedersen as the club's manager, replacing Danny Rohl who left on Tuesday.

Dane Pedersen, 47, had served as assistant under the German at Hillsborough since arriving at the club in October 2023 and signed a contract extension at the club earlier this month while Rohl's future remained uncertain.

His appointment comes during a chaotic summer for Wednesday.

Rohl left on Tuesday, there has been a raft of player departures in the past fortnight, while the council has closed the North Stand at Hillsborough because of concerns over its 'structural integrity'.

Wages were delayed in both May and June and the club has been placed under registration embargoes.

Owner Dejphon Chansiri is looking to sell the club but there has been no progress on a takeover.

This month's wages were also delayed, with BBC Radio Sheffield reporting on Thursday that some players have now received their pay for July.

It is understood that players are considering refusing to play in a training match with Premier League Burnley on Saturday.

Wednesday begin their 2025-26 campaign in just 10 days with a trip to relegated Leicester City on Sunday, 10 August.

Pedersen looks to help Owls 'weather the storm'

Rohl, who led the team to a 12th-placed finish last season, had looked set to leave last month when he did not return to take pre-season training but eventually came back in early July, only to leave by mutual consent on Tuesday.

Pedersen has previous managerial experience across Europe in his native Denmark, as well as in Germany and Norway.

"I am incredibly, incredibly proud to become manager of this wonderful football club," he told the club website.

"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."

Pedersen left in 'incredibly difficult situation' - analysis

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.