Manager Danny Rohl leaves Sheffield Wednesday by mutual consent | OneFootball

Sheffield Wednesday have announced the departure of manager Danny Rohl, throwing the club’s preparations for the new season into disarray.

The German became the youngest boss in the Football League when he took on his first managerial role in October 2023, at a time when Wednesday seemed destined for relegation from the Sky Bet Championship.

Rohl, a former assistant of the German national team as well as Southampton and Bayern Munich, turned around a sinking ship and last season led the club to a respectable 12th place in the second tier.

However, with less than a fortnight to go until the start of the new Championship campaign, the Owls, who travel to Leicester on August 10, have revealed the 36-year-old has left his position.

“Sheffield Wednesday can confirm the departure of manager Danny Rohl by mutual consent,” a club statement read.

Wednesday also confirmed backroom staff members Sascha Lense, Chris Powell, Neil Thompson and Sal Bibbo have followed Rohl, linked with a string of jobs in England and the Bundesliga, out the door.

Assistant Henrik Pedersen remains in South Yorkshire, having put pen to paper on a new deal earlier this month, and he is now the favourite to replace Rohl as manager although no announcement was made.

Rohl’s future at Hillsborough had been uncertain for several months as he said after their final game of last season that he had made his position to the club’s hierarchy “very clear”.

Wednesday are under a three-window fee restriction imposed by the English Football League over late payments to players, and are also under a transfer embargo, while owner Dejphon Chansiri is looking to sell the club.

Rohl said on Instagram: “A very special time is coming to an end and I am incredibly grateful for the experiences we have shared over 21 unforgettable months together.

“I thank our chairman for his faith and giving me the opportunity to take my first steps as a manager.

“I thank my players for such a successful collaboration, your tireless commitment and for being great humans. I am proud of all of your personal resilience and efforts.

“This summer has been difficult and, in the end, the club and I came to the mutual decision to part ways. I understand the different thoughts and reactions to everything that has been going on during these past few months.

“I am extremely grateful to have had this opportunity. Even during the difficult moments and setbacks, I have always continued to feel the support from everyone. I take so many special moments away with me that will remain in my heart.

“We achieved a miracle together and that will always be something truly exceptional. I wish everyone associated with Wednesday my very best. I will never forget you. The Gaffer.”