Sheffield Wednesday’s Promising Season Derails as Rohl’s Future Hangs in the Balance – Could David Wagner Be the Answer?
Sheffield Wednesday began the Championship campaign defying expectations, transforming from relegation battlers into unexpected promotion contenders. But as the season nears its end, the momentum that once propelled the Owls up the table has all but vanished.
After narrowly escaping the drop last year, Wednesday’s resurgence early in the 2024/25 season had fans dreaming of the playoffs. However, a mix of poor results and off-field distractions has seen the club tumble to 14th, with a promising campaign now threatening to end in disappointment.
The first signs of trouble surfaced in December, when reports linked manager Danny Rohl with a move to Southampton. The speculation ignited tensions between Rohl and club owner Dejphon Chansiri, who refused to sanction a move. That fractured relationship has appeared to cast a shadow over the team ever since.
Since the rumors began, Wednesday have managed just five wins in 19 league matches. Meanwhile, unrest among supporters has grown, particularly in response to March’s late wage payments — the latest in a string of financial missteps under Chansiri’s ownership. Although the club narrowly avoided a transfer embargo for breaching the 30-day salary and HMRC payment limit, the damage to its reputation was already done.
Last weekend’s 1-0 home defeat to Oxford United marked a fifth straight loss at Hillsborough and further dampened the mood. A season that once promised so much is now limping toward a lackluster finish.
Rohl’s Mind Elsewhere as Exit Rumors Intensify
Although Southampton didn’t pursue Rohl in January due to his £4 million release clause, it’s become increasingly evident that his future lies elsewhere. Even after a public resolution to his dispute with Chansiri during the winter window, the cracks remain — and recent events may have pushed him closer to the exit.
Come summer, Rohl’s buyout clause drops to £2 million for Championship clubs, and with Southampton reportedly back in the frame, a move looks more likely than ever. Leicester City and RB Leipzig are also said to be monitoring the 35-year-old, meaning he’ll have several options to consider.
While Rohl won’t confirm any decisions before the season ends, signs suggest the club is already preparing for life without him. Reports indicate that Chansiri is considering promoting assistant manager Henrik Pedersen, but that prospect has been met with skepticism due to Pedersen’s modest managerial record — just a 33.3% win rate across stints in Denmark, Germany, and Norway.
Why David Wagner Should Be Wednesday’s Top Target
Although Pedersen would offer continuity, appointing him would be a risky move during a period of instability. A more proven option, like former Huddersfield and Norwich boss David Wagner, would offer the experience and leadership the club sorely needs.
Wagner’s track record speaks for itself. He kept Huddersfield in the Championship before guiding them to a shock promotion in 2017, then helped them survive their first Premier League season against all odds. Despite a difficult second year in the top flight, his reputation as a coach capable of punching above his weight remains intact.
The 53-year-old’s later spells at Schalke and Young Boys yielded mixed results, but his return to English football with Norwich saw him steer the Canaries to a playoff spot. Though his tenure at Carrow Road ended following a heavy semi-final defeat to Leeds, the team’s ongoing struggles under a new manager have sparked second thoughts among some fans.
Wagner’s tactical style may not always be flashy, but he’s proven effective at maximizing limited resources — a key asset at a club where budget constraints are common. He reportedly held discussions with Plymouth Argyle earlier this year, indicating he’s open to Championship projects, even outside the division’s elite.
For Sheffield Wednesday, Wagner could represent the ideal bridge between stability and ambition. Fans still remember the heartbreak of their 2017 playoff loss to his Huddersfield side — and many would welcome having that level of expertise on their own bench.
If Rohl does leave, finding the right successor will be critical. Amid the uncertainty, Wagner offers both experience and credibility — and he just might be the steady hand needed to guide Wednesday into a new era.