Henrik Pedersen has told Sheffield Wednesday he does not want to be paid until every member of staff receives their full wages, following another payday setback at Hillsborough.
The Owls’ September salaries have once again been delayed, marking the fifth time in seven months that players and staff have not been paid on schedule.
Staff Left Short As Crisis Deepens
It has been confirmed that coaches and non-footballing employees, including recent hires, were told they would receive only a £1,000 payment on payday instead of their full wages. No clear timeline has been given for when outstanding salaries will be settled. This latest failure under chairman Dejphon Chansiri adds to a growing list of financial issues that have plagued the club in recent years.
The situation has left staff scrambling to cover bills and expenses, with uncertainty continuing to hang over the South Yorkshire side off the pitch. Players, too, have reportedly voiced frustration over the repeated delays.
Pedersen’s Gesture Of Solidarity
In response, Pedersen has asked for his own salary to be withheld until all other employees are paid in full. The Dane’s decision has been viewed as a mark of leadership and compassion at a time when morale is under pressure. His stance is said to have strengthened bonds with staff across the club, highlighting his growing popularity since arriving in the summer.
Some senior players are also understood to be supporting the idea of prioritising staff wages ahead of their own, with captain Barry Bannan recently acknowledging the impact the situation has had on colleagues away from the pitch.
Focus Turns To The Pitch
Despite the off-field turmoil, Wednesday are preparing to face Birmingham City this evening. Pedersen will again attempt to keep focus on football matters as the team look to respond positively in the Championship.
However, the continued financial uncertainty risks casting a long shadow over the campaign if solutions are not found quickly. With a transfer embargo firmly in place, and the risk of more players leaving, the Owls are in a slump, with no obvious signs of a way out.
Writer’s View
Pedersen’s choice to put others before himself has offered a rare positive headline at Hillsborough in another week dominated by financial strife. Gestures of solidarity may help unify the dressing room and wider staff, but patience is wearing thin among those who have faced repeated pay delays.
For all the goodwill earned by the manager, lasting stability can only come from addressing the ownership issues that continue to undermine Sheffield Wednesday’s future.
