Danny Rohl is set to leave Sheffield Wednesday after a chaotic pre-season return that deepened divisions inside the club.
Despite being reinstated to training this week, the German coach is now expected to depart Hillsborough amid growing unrest and failed ownership talks.
Breakdown With Chansiri Sparks Exit
Tensions have been simmering for months between Rohl and owner Dejphon Chansiri, and despite the lifting of two EFL embargoes, the situation at Wednesday remains volatile. According to journalist Alex Crook, players were unhappy with Rohl’s absence at the start of pre-season, while reports suggest he was not welcomed back warmly after his prolonged hiatus.
Having led the club through a remarkable survival run last season, Rohl had emerged as a fan favourite and a potential long-term figurehead for a rebuild. But his decision to stay away during ownership uncertainty, coupled with failed attempts to move elsewhere, appears to have fractured his standing in the dressing room. BBC pundit Alan Biggs confirmed that Rohl’s return never felt like a workable solution, and talks are now under way that will see him leave, possibly via gardening leave.
Danny Rohl future at crisis club #SWFC back in doubt. Rohl returned to training this week amid talk of a takeover which has now fallen through. Some players remain unhappy he missed start of pre-season. Chansiri said to be considering his options. More on https://t.co/ZRTBbuiXmA
— Alex Crook ⚽️🎙 (@alex_crook) July 17, 2025
Chansiri, still owner despite widespread opposition, had been courting coach Henrik Pedersen as a contingency plan, with the Dane believed to have the support of many players. Pedersen remains in place and is expected to take full control once Rohl’s departure is confirmed.
The backdrop of this decision is a failed takeover that had offered brief hope to supporters. With that deal off the table, and disillusionment running deep, the club faces yet another summer of instability, just weeks before the League One season begins.
Writer’s View
This is a self-inflicted implosion. Danny Rohl’s brilliance in keeping Wednesday up has been undone by a toxic blend of absentee ownership, public power struggles, and personal missteps. His decision to walk away during the most turbulent period in recent memory damaged the trust he built with players and fans alike.
But the wider dysfunction lies with Dejphon Chansiri, whose refusal to relinquish control has left one of England’s great clubs locked in a cycle of chaos. Pedersen may steady the ship in the short term, but without genuine leadership change at the top, Wednesday’s problems will persist long after Rohl’s inevitable exit.
