Despite Sheffield Wednesday being plunged into administration and hit with a 12-point penalty, manager Henrik Pedersen struck a defiant and hopeful tone. “A sad situation can also still be a good day,” he said, stressing the club’s need for a “fresh restart.”
Pedersen met with emotional players and staff on Friday morning, acknowledging their insecurity over salaries and the club’s future. However, he said the general feeling was one of hope and a belief in “looking towards better days.”
The manager admitted the club could not continue as it had for the “last five, six, seven, eight months.” The new reality is grim: the Owls are now on -6 points, 15 points from safety. Relegation to League One appears to be a near certainty.
However, Pedersen refused to concede the season. “I have a big belief we can survive in the Championship with this group of players,” he insisted, promising that the team “will keep fighting.” He had not spoken to owner Dejphon Chansiri but was hopeful conversations with administrators would prevent job losses.
He called for a reset, stating, “We have to be a new Sheffield Wednesday with an old heart.” The first test of this new era comes on Saturday as the team hosts Oxford, with fans expected to return in force after recent boycotts.