Exclusive: Don Goodman predicts Sheffield Wednesday “pain” amid Danny Rohl situation
Pundit Don Goodman believes the uncertainty over manager Danny Rohl’s future could have a damaging impact on Sheffield Wednesday if it is allowed to continue for much longer.
Wednesday emerged as surprise play-off contenders after a strong start to the season, but while their promotion push collapsed in the second half of the campaign amid a host of off-field issues, they did still record a respectable 12th-placed finish.
However, problems between Rohl and owner Dejphon Chansiri started in December after he was denied a move to Southampton, and the pair subsequently became embroiled in a bitter public dispute, which was only resolved towards the end of the January transfer window.
The Saints were said to have reignited their interest in Rohl this summer after parting company with Ivan Juric following their relegation from the Premier League, but they have instead appointed Will Still as their new manager, and while the German was also linked with the likes of Leicester City, Fulham, Crystal Palace and RB Leipzig, he seems highly unlikely to land any of those jobs.
According to journalist Rob Staton, Rohl recently held “positive talks” with Werder Bremen, who had a “legitimate interest” in the 36-year-old, but his “excessive and prohibitive” compensation figure, which is believed to be as high as £5 million, proved to be a stumbling block, leaving him in an increasingly awkward position at Hillsborough.
| Danny Rohl’s record as Sheffield Wednesday manager (as per Transfermarkt) | |
| Games | 89 |
| Won | 34 |
| Drawn | 19 |
| Lost | 36 |
| Win percentage | 38.2% |
Don Goodman issues concerning Sheffield Wednesday prediction
Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Goodman admitted that Wednesday are the ones likely to suffer the most from the ongoing uncertainty around Rohl’s future, and he warned the Owls that they risk falling behind their Championship rivals if the saga drags on for too long.
“This is the kind of time of year when plans are at a massively advanced stage for next season,” Goodman said.
“But while this Danny Rohl saga rumbles on, it is difficult to see what kind of planning can take place.
“Clearly, Sheffield Wednesday is not a club he would like to remain at under the current ownership, but the fact that nothing appears to be happening is a difficult situation for Danny Rohl, there’s no doubt about that.
“Maybe it’s the buyout clause that is the problem, but ultimately, the entity that it will cause the most pain for is Sheffield Wednesday.
“The new manager, if there is going to be a new manager, should be a long way down the road of planning pre-season and recruitment, but obviously, that is probably not the case.”
