Another pre-season game, another wave of criticism aimed at Sheffield Wednesday head coach Henrik Pedersen.
Following the heavy defeat to Oldham Athletic, social media has once again been filled with supporters questioning whether Pedersen is the right man to lead the club into the new Championship season.
If we’re being honest, Pedersen has never really managed to win over large sections of the Wednesday fan base.
Last season was incredibly difficult for everyone connected with the club. The performances on the pitch were disappointing, but much of that was overshadowed by the ongoing off-field problems that dominated headlines for months.
This season will feel very different.
The off-field situation appears to be far more stable. While there are still issues to resolve, the new ownership has put plans and funding in place to move the club forward. The focus is now firmly on rebuilding Sheffield Wednesday and giving supporters something to believe in again.
That also means the spotlight will fall much more heavily on what happens on the pitch.
Without the constant distractions surrounding the club, Pedersen is likely to come under far greater scrutiny if results don’t improve. Should Wednesday get off to a poor start, it’s hard to imagine sections of the fan base giving him much time before calling for change.
The club has spoken repeatedly about a fresh start, a new era and being “reborn” under the new ownership. It’s an exciting message and one that many supporters have embraced. But football has always been results-driven.
If Wednesday find themselves ten games into the season with only a handful of points and performances still failing to convince, it will become increasingly difficult to keep supporters patient, regardless of everything happening behind the scenes.
I can understand why the new owners decided to keep Pedersen.
Changing ownership brings enough upheaval without replacing the head coach at the same time, and stability has its benefits. Unless things go badly wrong, I wouldn’t be surprised if they give him the season to prove himself.
However, this campaign will be very different from the last.
There will be far fewer off-field excuses. The attention will be on the football, the performances and, ultimately, the results.
Pedersen now has the opportunity to prove his doubters wrong.
The question is whether he can.
Do you think Henrik Pedersen deserves more time, or are you already questioning whether he’s the right man for Sheffield Wednesday?
