With Saturday’s pivotal match against Sunderland looming, a mere point will secure an extraordinary escape from relegation, a stark contrast to their position at the beginning of December. The credit for this remarkable turnaround largely goes to Danny Rohl, a novice manager who celebrated his 35th birthday over the weekend. However, amidst the optimism surrounding their potential survival, there’s a growing concern that while Rohl may not be bidding farewell to the Stadium of Light just yet, it could mark the end of his tenure with the Owls.
Less than twelve months ago, Sheffield Wednesday staged a dramatic comeback, overturning a 4-0 first-leg deficit to win their League One playoff semi-final against Peterborough United on penalties, before clinching victory over South Yorkshire rivals Barnsley in the dying moments of extra time at Wembley. Despite these triumphs, manager Darren Moore departed shortly after, leaving the club in disarray following disagreements with the chairman.
Although Moore’s involvement in two relegations this season (Huddersfield Town’s to and Port Vale’s from League One) may have softened the blow, it necessitated a complete overhaul, leading to a disastrous start with just two points from 11 league matches, marking the worst beginning in both the club’s and the Championship’s histories, and the dismissal of Xisco Munoz.
The appointment of Rohl sparked a revival, but their precarious situation remains evident, with only a win for Birmingham City or Plymouth Argyle, coupled with a loss for Sheffield Wednesday against a struggling Sunderland side, potentially condemning them to relegation.
Unsurprisingly, Rohl’s managerial prowess has attracted interest, with Sunderland reportedly eager to secure his services for the next season, while Sheffield Wednesday is equally keen to retain him. As a young yet seasoned manager known for his high-pressing football with a dash of pragmatism, Rohl appears to fit the bill perfectly.
Observing Rohl’s interactions with fans post-match reveals a man seemingly infatuated with his role, yet beneath the surface, frustrations simmer. A notable example occurred on the eve of February’s transfer deadline, where Rohl’s discontent was palpable when questioned about the state of the Hillsborough pitch.
While he expressed enjoyment in coaching his team and engaging with supporters, his silence regarding the chairman speaks volumes. It’s evident that Rohl’s patience is wearing thin, particularly evident in his recent criticisms regarding the club’s contractual situation and its facilities, placing the onus firmly on the chairman to create an environment conducive to Rohl’s vision and commitment to the club’s future.
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