Following back-to-back defeats by Notts County and Doncaster, Sheffield Wednesday have sacked Henrik Pedersen as manager

Sheffield Wednesday have sacked manager Henrik Pedersen. The Owls sit eighth in League One after back-to-back defeats by Notts County and Doncaster.

Pedersen took over as Wednesday boss before the start of last season, stepping up having been assistant manager to Danny Rohl.

What followed was the worst season of any team in Football League history as the Owls amassed just 18 points over the course of the Championship campaign amid a backdrop of chaos.

Wednesday were left with a skeleton squad of misfits and kids following the neglect of ex-owner Dejphon Chansiri. He was forced out and administration followed.

The club was deducted 18 points meaning they only reached zero on the final day of the season with their first home win of the season against West Brom.

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Wednesday's takeover by US-based consortium Arise was finalised on the same day, and after giving Pedersen a chance with a squad containing 18 new players for League One, they have now opted to make a change.

Former Owls player and Rotherham manager Matt Hamshaw, part of Pedersen's coaching staff, will step up as interim boss until a new manager is named.

Sporting Director Simon Wilson said: “First and foremost, I want to thank Henrik for his professionalism, commitment and contribution during an exceptionally challenging period for Sheffield Wednesday.

“We knew the start of this season would be difficult due to the scale of change across the club, but our expectation was always that we would develop as the season progressed, establishing a recognisable style of play and greater consistency in our performances.

“Although we have accumulated points, we haven’t seen enough progress in those areas. We believe making a change now gives us the best opportunity to establish those foundations and build towards the second half of the season and beyond.

“We remain ambitious about what we can achieve this campaign, and our focus remains on building a Sheffield Wednesday team with a clear identity, capable of delivering sustained improvement and long-term success.”

Wednesday started the season in positive fashion, winning four of their opening five fixtures. But home goalless draws against Wigan and Stockport followed.

The Owls beat AFC Wimbledon 5-0 on Saturday but the reverses at Meadow Lane and in a South Yorkshire derby at Doncaster have proved the tipping point for Pedersen.

Fans angrily chanted for him to be removed as boss and they have got their wish. Wednesday face Cambridge at Hillsborough on Tuesday night.