Sheffield Wednesday Legend Makes Managerial Prediction

Sheffield Wednesday legend Carlton Palmer believes head coach Danny Rohl will join Southampton at the end of the season.

The 35-year-old was first linked with a move to St Mary’s in December following the departure of Russell Martin. It was said that the Saints had identified Rohl as their first choice but they eventually ending up appointing former Roma boss Ivan Juric.

The Croatian has been unable to turn around Southampton’s fortunes and they currently sit rock bottom of the Premier League on just nine points. As such, an instant return to the Championship appears a formality, prompting reports to emerge earlier this week that they will cut ties with their manager again at the end of the season.

Rohl has once again appeared as the front runner, with the German once again having to address the speculation.

Palmer Tipping Rohl Exit

The Owls head coach has performed a wonderful job since his appointment in 2023. He took over with the club staring relegation in the face but ultimately guided them to survival. This season has been equally impressive, with the club flirting with a play-off place for much of the campaign. However, Rohl appears to have a fractured relationship with owner Dejphon Chansiri.

Speaking to Football League World, ex-Wednesday and England defender Palmer believes this season will be Rohl’s last at Hillsborough:

“Apparently there is a break clause in Juric’s contract, so they will part ways with him, and the name Danny Rohl has been linked with Southampton, an experienced Championship coach, so it is seen as a logical next step.

“This will be disappointing news for Sheffield Wednesday supporters, but I thought it was strange Shea Charles had agreed a season-long loan from Southampton, and then they recalled him earlier this season, and I think that was over the fact Sheffield Wednesday refused permission for Rohl to speak to Southampton, and now Charles is back at Wednesday for the rest of the season, so whether a deal has been done for Rohl to go at the end of the season I don’t know, but that saga was very telling for me.

“Rohl has done an unbelievable job at Sheffield Wednesday, firstly to keep the club up and now, up until a few games ago, they were in the running for the play-offs, so I think he’s destined to move on to a club that can meet his requirements to be successful and Southampton will give him the tools to push them back to the Premier League at the first attempt.”

Writer’s View

It does appear as if Rohl will leave at the end of the campaign. Comments from Chansiri in the past have hinted that he wouldn’t be too disappointed, but Southampton would be an odd choice. They are set to be relegated back to the Championship, and it remains to be seen as to whether they will have a squad capable of fighting it out at the top next season. Rohl may be better placed to bide his time.