Sheffield Wednesday confirm Danny Rohl’s departure just 12 days until their league season begins as the managerial saga goes on.
The Athletic’s David Ornstein reports that Danny Rohl is leaving the club today by mutual agreement, allowing him to depart without a transfer fee.
The 36-year-old, who has no immediate job lined up and is expected to take some time out, informed players and staff of his exit.
The club are currently facing financial difficulties under owner Dejphon Chansiri, having been hit with a three-window transfer ban by the EFL for late payments to players, staff, and HMRC, with charges also filed against Chansiri for delayed salaries.
Rohl, who previously assisted at Bayern Munich, Germany, and Southampton, joined Wednesday in October 2023, turning around a dire season start to secure a 20th-place finish in the Championship, followed by a 12th-place finish last season.
The Owls, who are face Leicester City in their season opener in 12 days, is grappling with unpaid wages and fears for its future.
🚨 Danny Rohl exits position as Sheffield Wednesday head coach. Agreement finalised for 36yo to depart #SWFC – players + staff being informed this morning. German boss free to pursue next steps; expected to take some time to consider options @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/Gw7q3Rahg2
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) July 29, 2025
Sheffield Wednesday can confirm the departure of manager Danny Röhl by mutual consent#swfc
— Sheffield Wednesday (@swfc) July 29, 2025
First there was speculation Rohl was potentially going to Leicester, discussions were to be had on his exit from the Owls. Rohl seemed destined to leave. Sheffield Wednesday looked at one point in potentially having their under 21s coach Andy Holdsworth as manager, then Rohl’s assistant Henrik Pedersen, who was linked with joining Brentford as part of Keith Andrews’ backroom staff, signed a new contract Sheffield Wednesday, with it expected he would be their new manager. Then Rohl seemed set to stay on in charge. Now Rohl has gone, it’s reported that Henrik Pedersen, who started the pre-season, is the man expected to take over on a permanent basis.
Rohl missed the start of pre-season amid speculation about his future, then returned to the club after negotiations to leave fell through.
However, a significant portion of the players and staff, including the out-of-contract captain, opposed his return due to his absence during the club’s financial crisis and preseason preparations.
All this going on while some staff and players still go unpaid for recent months and takeover bids reportedly turned down.
CLUB STATEMENT:
Sheffield Wednesday can confirm the departure of manager Danny Röhl by mutual consent.
The German coach joined the Owls in October 2023 and oversaw a successful survival mission to maintain our Championship status in his maiden season at Hillsborough.
Wednesday then consolidated the following term, with Röhl steering the club to a mid-table finish in the second tier.
Sascha Lense, Chris Powell, Neil Thompson and Sal Bibbo have also departed S6.
Sheffield Wednesday would like to thank Danny and his backroom team for their services and wish them well for the future.
Rohl said in his goodbye message: “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.
“Thanks to my staff, I’m finding it difficult to find the right words today. You were always there for me and the players too. You worked with so much passion, day after day, week after week. I am very proud to have had each of you with me over the last 21 months. From the first team evening to the last day, I could not have asked for better people to be alongside.
“I also want to highlight my gratitude specifically to my coaches Sascha Lense, Sal Bibbo, Chris Powell, Neil Thompson and Henrik Pedersen for the fantastic bond we created, it was a pleasure to experience this with all of you.
“Two images will always remain in my mind: the atmosphere in the Sunderland dressing room and the picture after the Watford game. We were a unit. I wish each of you only the best, good health, and a bright future. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
“Finally, I want to say thanks to the passionate supporters of this great football club. I will never forget all the amazing memories that we enjoyed together. You make this club such a special place to be a part of with the passion that you showed throughout and I will miss you all so much.
“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”
Most Sheffield Wednesday players and staff members prefer Danny Rohl DIDN’T return to lead side
Sheffield Wednesday fan in passionate phone call on owner Dejphon Chansiri and club crisis
Here’s how fans reacted as Sheffield Wednesday confirm Danny Rohl’s departure just 12 days until the league season begins…
@joelgardiner__: Now announce takeover!! Honestly, cba for a new season – gunna be a miracle if we get 10 points all season. Shite
@walker_ryanswfc: 🤣🤣🤣 chansiri holding out for 5mil to only let him walk for free anyway. absolute clown
@ashswfc: Well done chansiri you’ve well and truly ripped this club apart. Wish we could make him leave by mutual consent 😡😡#swfc #chansiriout
@barnesy5k: The simple statistics say that we were a LOT better with him than we will be without him. Took a league 1 squad with no resources from certain Championship relegation to a play off push in 18 months. Best manager since Big Ron. When will this misery end?
@keiron1972: We ALL knew it was coming, but to draw it out for soooooo friging long and get no compensation package just shows DC up for the 🤡 he is!
@MrPaulPashley: Doesn’t know what an asset is this man or how to treat one. Not paying staff and players.. Think they’ll still play for this chairman. Disgraceful! Sell Up.
@LiamK2292: I’ll always be grateful to Danny for what he’s done for us. An inevitable ending that should’ve been sorted a long time ago rather than left 12 days till we kick off the season. #SWFC
@isthatdavidp: Basically Chansiri is ripping the club apart & trying to do everything on the cheap now, low wages, younger players – trying to hold onto the club, maybe! #swfc
@tommyuto: Should have let Danny go in January. As soon as he threw his teddy out the pram we knew the situation. Evident across the board, Chansiri will not let go of “valuable assets” until he’s ruined them. Club will be in tatters before he leaves… #swfc
Can’t carry on like this can it? pic.twitter.com/FuybMnlFyZ
— Danny Smallman (@DannySmallman) July 29, 2025
