Sheffield Wednesday sack head coach Henrik Pedersen after 15 months

Sheffield Wednesday have sacked head coach Henrik Pedersen less than 15 months after handing him the job. The decision was announced following two defeats in five days, the latest a 2-0 reverse at Doncaster Rovers in a South Yorkshire derby that left the club outside the League One play-off places.

• Henrik Pedersen leaves Sheffield Wednesday after 15 months in charge.
• Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Doncaster Rovers, with two goals conceded inside 17 minutes, sealed his exit.
• Matt Hamshaw takes over on an interim basis for the home game against Cambridge United.
• Pedersen won four of his first five league matches this season but one win in six since cost him the job.
• The club say they have not seen enough progress in playing style or consistency.

Doncaster derby defeat proves the final straw for Sheffield Wednesday and Pedersen

Pedersen's last match in charge came on Saturday at Doncaster Rovers. The hosts scored twice in the opening 17 minutes, prompting away supporters to call for the 48-year-old to leave. It was Wednesday's second straight loss without scoring, following a 2-0 defeat at Notts County four days earlier.

Speaking after the game at Doncaster, Pedersen admitted he had heard the chants directed at him. He said he was hurting the same way the fans were and insisted the team could bounce back, but the club hierarchy ultimately decided against giving him more time.

How Sheffield Wednesday went from strong start to a coaching change

The campaign had started brightly for Pedersen. He won four of his first five league matches, including a 7-2 home victory over Bromley, and was nominated for the League One Manager of the Month award in August. But the momentum disappeared quickly. Wednesday have won just one of their last six league games and failed to score in four of them.

Saturday's tactical plan also raised questions. Pedersen switched to a 3-5-2 system and used Liverpool loanee Kieran Morrison as a left wing-back, a defensive role that does not suit a naturally attacking winger. After 20 minutes, with Wednesday already 2-0 down, Pedersen abandoned the idea and returned to a back four. Making such a bold call and ending it that early reflected the lack of authority the team showed throughout the run.

From Danny Rohl's assistant to Sheffield Wednesday head coach: Pedersen's tenure

Pedersen stepped up from his role as Danny Rohl's assistant after the German left the club by mutual consent 12 days before the start of last season. He signed a two-year contract. His first full campaign in charge was chaotic: Wednesday suffered the earliest relegation in EFL history, finishing with two league wins, 32 defeats and a goal difference of -60.

That 2025-26 season also featured fan boycotts and protests against then owner Dejphon Chansiri. The club entered administration and received an 18-point penalty. Chansiri's reign officially ended in May when US consortium Arise Capital Partners completed a takeover.

Matt Hamshaw takes interim charge at Sheffield Wednesday ahead of Cambridge United test

Matt Hamshaw will lead the team on an interim basis. He joined Wednesday as a coach in August after being sacked by Rotherham United, where he spent less than a year in charge. His first match at the helm comes on Tuesday against Cambridge United, who sit sixth in the table.

In a statement, Wednesday credited Pedersen with providing stability and leadership during an exceptional period in the club's history. Sporting director Simon Wilson said the club had expected a difficult start but wanted a recognizable style of play and greater consistency. Wilson added that the lack of progress in those areas convinced the club to act now and build toward the second half of the season.

What is at stake for Sheffield Wednesday after the coaching change

The switch is designed to revive a season that has drifted off course. Wednesday have slipped out of the top six, and the home match against Cambridge United looks like an early test of whether Hamshaw can restore confidence quickly. A positive result would ease the tension around Hillsborough and give the new leadership a platform.

Arise Capital Partners gave Pedersen the chance to build on his early-season form, but the recent results and the growing disconnect with supporters forced their first major football decision since taking over. Getting their first permanent appointment right is now the priority for owners who want stability after years of turmoil.