Sheffield Wednesday found themselves in financial turmoil during the 2020/21 season due to their extravagant spending throughout the late 2010s. Despite having their initial 12-point deduction for breaching financial regulations in the Championship reduced to six, the club faced the grim reality of relegation on the season’s final day following a 3-3 draw against Derby County.
The Owls had inadvertently misrepresented the sale of their stadium, Hillsborough, in their financial accounts, which led to the charges against them. Despite investing heavily in players over the years, with limited success—only making it to the Championship playoffs twice in the 2010s—their inability to break into the Premier League ultimately backfired, with many signings appearing as mere squandered investments.
Jordan Rhodes, the team’s costliest acquisition to date, failed to make a significant impact during his time at Hillsborough. Despite his prolific goal-scoring record at Blackburn Rovers and Huddersfield Town, Rhodes managed just 20 goals in 112 appearances for Sheffield Wednesday after transferring from Middlesbrough for a hefty £10 million fee.
Describing Rhodes’ stint at the club, Sheffield Wednesday Fan Pundit Patrick McKenna lamented, “Jordan Rhodes’ tenure at Hillsborough was unfortunately marred by disappointment, remembered as one of the regrettable signings made under Chansiri’s ownership in those early years. There were several factors at play, notably the unnecessary nature of his signing.”
He further explained, “At the time of his arrival, we had recently bolstered our striking options with the addition of Sam Winnall, rendering Rhodes’ acquisition somewhat superfluous. Despite his past successes, Rhodes seemed past his prime, struggling for consistency, especially given the substantial fee involved.”
McKenna highlighted a pivotal moment that soured Rhodes’ relationship with the fans, stating, “An episode that particularly irked supporters was his refusal to take a penalty in the critical play-off semi-final shootout against Huddersfield, his former club. Such actions from our record signing left a lasting negative impression, suggesting a lack of mental fortitude.”
Reflecting on the situation, McKenna added, “There was a general sentiment that perhaps Rhodes never quite fit Carvalhal’s plans, despite being afforded numerous opportunities to prove himself. In the end, his underwhelming performances and lackluster mindset left many questioning the wisdom of his costly signing.”
Despite playing in various formations, he struggled to find a consistent goal-scoring form throughout his career. While he did achieve a perfect hat trick in a single half during a notable match, this standout performance alone couldn’t justify his hefty £10 million signing. Unfortunately, the pressure seemed to get the better of him on a weekly basis, leading him to be viewed as a regrettable acquisition.
Since departing his former club three years ago, Rhodes has faced challenges in regaining his form. Despite his return to Huddersfield, a club where he once excelled, his goal-scoring record failed to impress, tallying just 10 goals over two seasons. However, a loan stint at Blackpool in the 2023/24 season proved pivotal in reigniting the 34-year-old’s career.
With an impressive 15 goals in the third tier last season, Rhodes has now made his move to Blackpool permanent, aiming to lead the team back to the Championship.