Henrik Pedersen says Sheffield Wednesday are closing in on further coaching appointments, with confirmation hoped for within the next 10 days.
The Danish head coach has already added Craig Mudd to his backroom team and is targeting at least two more additions as he reshapes the Owls’ technical staff.
Flahavan linked with return
Reports suggest Darryl Flahavan is a strong candidate to return to Hillsborough, having previously worked briefly under Garry Monk. The 46-year-old, currently at Plymouth Argyle, has also served as a coach at Leeds United, Middlesbrough, Birmingham City and Wigan Athletic, as well as with the Chinese Taipei national side.
Pedersen declined to confirm names but made clear that talks are at an advanced stage.
“We are close to doing more things on this side and I hope soon we can do something official,” he explained. “Is it Darryl or not Darryl? I cannot say anything right now.”
Flahavan’s Midlands connections are thought to be a factor in his interest, with family based in the region. If appointed, he would take over responsibility for goalkeeping matters, while Wednesday continue to seek another assistant coach.
Defensive focus the priority
Pedersen outlined that bolstering defensive organisation is a key part of his recruitment drive. One of the new appointments will be tasked with improving the team’s out-of-possession work, which has been identified as an area requiring immediate improvement.
“We have looked for a goalkeeping coach, obviously he takes responsibility for the goalkeepers,” Pedersen added. “We look for another assistant coach and then we will see what the land looks like after this. We need one that will help with the defensive stuff and that is the first priority now.”
Despite the club being placed under two fresh EFL registration embargoes earlier this week, those restrictions do not apply to coaching staff. That means progress on the dugout reshuffle can continue unaffected as Wednesday attempt to stabilise their season.
Writer’s View
Pedersen has moved quickly to put his stamp on the backroom team, and the potential return of Flahavan would represent a shrewd move given his experience at Championship level. The emphasis on defensive improvement is timely, with Wednesday leaking goals in the early part of the campaign. Securing the right staff over the coming days could provide the structure needed to turn performances around and ease growing pressure at Hillsborough.
The big question is around the playing staff. With the club under embargo, it seems to be a case of trying to get the best out of the current bunch, rather than scouring the free agent market.
