After almost two years, it’s over: Coach Danny Röhl is leaving Sheffield Wednesday. It fits in with a turbulent summer for the English second division club.
In twelve days, Sheffield Wednesday will kick off the new Championship season at relegated Leicester City, embarking on a journey into the unknown. After a turbulent summer, the English second division club has another problem to deal with: successful coach Danny Röhl is leaving.
As the club announced on Tuesday, Röhl and the club’s management have agreed to part ways amicably. According to The Athletic, the 36-year-old can leave on a free transfer despite having a contract that runs until 2027.
Although Röhl had recently emphasized that he could imagine taking the next step in his coaching career after almost two successful years in Sheffield, a move to another club is not imminent. Rather, his departure is likely to be related to the financial problems plaguing Wednesday.
No new signings – no coach
In June, last year’s twelfth-placed team was banned from making transfers for three transfer windows due to late salary payments in the past season. Although the club lodged an appeal, the ban took effect immediately. Accordingly, Wednesday has not yet presented any new signings.
Röhl, who had previously been assistant to Ralph Hasenhüttl and Hansi Flick, among others, and had never worked as head coach, took over the Owls in October 2024 after a disastrous start to the season, which he himself described in retrospect as a “suicide mission.” On the final day of the season, they sensationally secured their place in the league, followed by a worry-free 2024/25 season, at least on the pitch.
“I have made no secret of the fact that I would like to work at the highest possible level in the near future – with the best players,”
Sheffield itself did not give any reasons for the separation, and neither Röhl nor those responsible for the decision were quoted in the statement. It simply said that they would like to thank him and his team and wish them “all the best for the future.” Along with Röhl, assistants Sascha Lense, Chris Powell, Neil Thompson, and Sal Bibbo are also leaving.
