'My gut feeling is' - Claim made on Henrik Pedersen's Sheffield Wednesday future | OneFootball

FLW's Sheffield Wednesday fan pundit believes that Henrik Pedersen will be in the dugout for their return to League One

There have been plenty of questions surrounding the future of Henrik Pedersen at Sheffield Wednesday throughout the season, but with the campaign now at a close, it won't be long until people get their answer.

The Danish boss was set up to fail at Hillsborough this past year, taking charge, after Danny Rohl departed in July, of a side gutted of the majority of their senior names and one that was low on confidence and uncertainty, given the situation of the club at the time.

Pedersen oversaw the final few months of Dejphon Chansiri's reign as Owls chairman, in which the players faced more late wage payments, up until the club was finally placed in administration in late October — a period that only just ended ahead of the Championship's final day.

So, when taking into account all the adversity that Sheffield Wednesday has faced during his nine months in charge, adversity that he has had to ride through with a smile to try and motivate his players to go out and fight a losing battle, Pedersen has done an admirable job in unenviable circumstances.

But, when stripping things down to a winning record, two wins in 46 league games isn't one that strikes confidence, and some people have been wondering whether the Dane is the right man to lead the rebuild and take Wednesday back to the Championship as soon as possible.

Sheffield Wednesday fan pundit gives verdict on whether Henrik Pedersen will remain Owls boss

The common sentiment among most Wednesday fans, and football fans in general, is that Henrik Pedersen shouldn't be judged on the results of this season, as the Owls were at a clear competitive disadvantage from the get-go.

In fact, when you look at Wednesday's scorelines this year, the fact that they were only beaten by three or more goals nine times this year is actually somewhat impressive given the circumstances, and that stands as good reason to keep Pederson on for next season.

Patrick McKenna, FLW's Sheffield Wednesday fan pundit, is of a similar understanding and believes that a perceived good relationship with new owner David Storch will see him remain at the helm for the time being.

"My gut feeling is that he will be leading us into the new season," he said.

"I think that the new ownership has a lot of respect for him, and I kind of get the feeling after conversations so far that Henrik has impressed them enough to give him a go next season.

"Of course, that may change if the new executive team or Director of Football feels differently, but I feel that these new owners have put a certain amount of trust in him, and on Saturday [vs West Brom], they seemed to genuinely get along quite well.

"But that is just my feeling at the moment. Of course, that could change, but I do expect him to be in the dugout for next season."

Ultimately, there are a lot of things both on and off the field at Sheffield Wednesday that need to be seen to immediately, such as the training site at Middlewood Road, the possible drop in academy grading, and a squad that needs plenty of additions to be competitive in League One next season.

Searching for a new manager would be quite low on that list in the first place, but it doesn't seem likely that it will be on the list at all.

Henrik Pedersen will be judged more heavily on results next season

While it has more than likely been a stressful campaign for Henrik Pedersen, given his need to remain positive in front of the press and in front of his players during a long period of uncertainty, results-wise, it's been a bit of a free hit.

Next season, though, things will be different. In League One, Sheffield Wednesday have always been a big fish in a small pond, and it will continue to be that way.

The squad may not be as strong as the previous third-tier Owls ones, but the expectation to win games will still be there, something which wasn't throughout his first campaign at the club.

If Pedersen begins next season in the dugout, he won't be given the benefit of the doubt that he was rightly given this season. If the results aren't up to scratch for where David Storch and the rest of the higher-ups at Hillsborough are aiming, then his job will be at risk.

It'll be intriguing to see how he handles a more competitive squad in a lower league, though. After a past which has seen him coach in the Red Bull system and in numerous Danish top-flight sides, plenty of eyes will be on how Wednesday performs under him back in League One.