Sheffield Wednesday have announced the departure of manager Darren Moore by mutual consent, according to a statement via the club website.
This decision comes as a huge shock given Moore’s success with the Owls last season, one which culminated in promotion to the Championship.
Having finished the campaign in third place on a record-breaking 96 points, Wednesday were overwhelming favourites to secure promotion via the play-offs. Having lost 4-0 in the first leg against Peterborough United, very few gave the Yorkshire side any chance in the return fixture. However, Moore and his team completed a remarkable comeback, equalling Posh’s score in regular time with a 98th minute equaliser through Liam Palmer before eventually winning on penalties.
A late goal would again prove pivotal when facing Barnsley in the play-off final, this time as Josh Windass emulated his father Dean Windass’ Wembley heroics with one of the last kicks of the game to fire his side back into the Championship.
Moore’s career with Sheffield Wednesday
The Jamaican arrived at Hillsborough in March 2021, with Wednesday sat in the Championship relegation zone. Although he could not save the club from relegation, the owners backed him and retained his services for the following season.
Moore would lead his side to the play-offs in the hopes of an immediate return to the second tier, but would lose to eventual winners Sunderland in the semi-final.
His third season proved to be his most successful to date and although at one point it looked as though automatic promotion was a formality, Wednesday ended up doing it the hard way via the play-offs. Moore will now leave Hillsborough as a cult hero, having mutually parted ways with the club.
What Has Been Said?
When speaking to Sheffield Wednesday’s official website, Moore said:
“I would like to take this time to acknowledge the chairman, Mr Chansiri, for giving me the opportunity to manage this great football club in Sheffield Wednesday, it’s been a journey in every sense.
“Both the chairman and myself have been determined to get this club back into the Championship. I’m delighted this has been achieved, and I hope the football club continues to develop and will soon fulfil the dream of mine, which was to take them back to the Premier League where they belong.
“Now to the loyal fantastic fans, all you Wednesdayites, I want to thank you personally and from the bottom of my heart. With all your support and passion we have created history this season and achieved our goal of promotion.
“This was most apparent during the second leg of the play-offs at Hillsborough when so many people around the country thought it wasn’t possible, we rallied together to achieve the impossible. Also the scenes I witnessed from the technical area at Wembley, especially for the winning goal, will be images I will never forget.
“Onwards and upwards to you all at SWFC and please stay together as one. WAWAW.”
Writer’s View
This news comes as a huge shock given the position that Moore had got Wednesday into. With more updates expected in the coming days, it is hard to pinpoint the reasoning for parting ways but one potential suggestion could be the budget for the summer transfer window.
Moore will depart Hillsborough as a hero for his efforts, particularly those of the last 12 months. He will no doubt have plenty of good offers come his way in the future.
