Sheffield Wednesday manager Henrik Pedersen said it was painful to see such an empty stadium against Middlesbrough but he fully understands why swathes of fans stayed away.
Sheffield Wednesday fans continued their protests against owner Dejphon Chansiri on Wednesday night as the Owls faced Middlesbrough at Hillsborough.
The SWFC Supporters’ Trust issued calls to boycott the sides home game against Boro. It comes as the mismanagement of the club under owner Dejphon Chansiri speeds towards breaking point.
Image courtesy of: ANDREW BOYERS/REUTERS.
With all the off-field issues surrounding the club, it has been no surprise that their form has suffered as a result.
Sheffield Wednesday currently sit bottom of the Championship table with only six points to their name. They are points from safety and staring down the barrel at what appears to be an inevitable relegation to League One.
Players entered the fray to a largely empty Hillsborough, mostly filled with away supporters and a few Wednesday fans dotted around the ground. Post-match, SWFC boss Henrik Pedersen was asked about the boycotts and resultant atmosphere, admitting it to be a painful sight despite his understanding of why fans stayed away..
Speaking to The Star, he said:
“We all know how Hillsborough can be, it can be fantastic.
“Of course it is painful to see this tonight, but I understand and respect everyone.
“I know all the fans that are sitting at home and in the pubs were together with us. We are all together. This togetherness we just have to keep. I have the biggest respect for everyone.”
Henrik Pedersen serves as an important voice for Sheffield Wednesday
Pedersen didn’t have to take the Sheffield Wednesday job in the summer. Danny Rohl – now at Rangers – quickly had his sights set on other jobs, and the Dane could have easily taken the same route.
However, Pedersen has come into a nearly impossible situation and provided hope for fans in their darkest hour.
Image courtesy of: CRAIG BROUGH/REUTERS.
Pederson is in a situation that is near impossible to manage. There is leadership at the top at SWFC, and embargoes are unrelenting. The boss has given Wednesday fans at least a semblance of togetherness, if anything.
Any change on the horizon at Sheffield Wednesday?
It might seem as though the dramas and difficulties at Sheffield Wednesday are never ending.
Chansiri is still trying to find ways to cling onto control at Hillsborough despite the threat of a winding-up order and potential administration over their unpaid tax bill. A total takeover feels a way away yet, and even talks of potential investment have dried up.
But, with fan action the boycott on Wednesday night, the awareness of this situation and calls for change are growing and growing. It will be hoped that action is around the corner to give some reprieve to the fans that have fought so long for their football club.