At Sheffield Wednesday 3 is the magic number and patience is key

Nobody’s expecting, or demanding, a third successive “miracle” season at Sheffield Wednesday. Keeping Danny Rohl is miracle enough for now after the chaos of the last 12 months. But the number three is, dare I say, massive all the same.

A three-year deal for the top-bound young German coach. Does that also mean the club has a three-year plan to reach the Premier League? If so, it’s hugely welcome and entirely realistic, the sort of steady progression strategy needed at Hillsborough for many years.

Of course, contracts are never as rock solid as they are projected. Let’s not pretend that Rohl is ring-fenced against overtures from higher up the game if he continues to impress, especially if he now has a less hostage-like release clause.

Equally, it would not be football if he could not be sacked - the severance is not normally the full duration of a contract. But, unlikely as it seems, let’s stand against that second parting scenario from the start. The three-year deal has to be more than a symbolic gesture of faith. And Rohl himself has expertly set the tone by pitching a realistic top ten target for next season, much as I wouldn’t entirely rule out a promotion bid.

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What it can’t be is Premier League or bust. It’s about moving forward and having the patience to see the job through. About a support network for the manager. About him being trusted to drive his plans through, not least on transfers in and out.

Indeed, it’s tempting to hope Rohl may just have achieved from the inside what countless people (including journalists) have failed to do from the outside - force an upgrade in the club’s working practices. I’m not entirely convinced. We now await proof of that. If Rohl has heard the right words in relation to his obvious concerns, let’s see them in action.

It’s not all about money. There are far fewer fee-paying transfers these days. It’s more about good judgment and, under this manager, Wednesday are an attractive club to join.

While, as per last week, I still think a clarification of how much is available would be preferable, can Rohl (perhaps with an incoming aide alongside?) expedite his plans quickly and smoothly? From Dejphon Chansiri, less is more in many ways. Fewer words and statements, that is, many of which have entangled him by putting fans in a ferment. The owner’s silence, other than a sensibly put welcoming of Rohl’s commitment, is golden right now.

A preference for action over words is something no-one can disagree with. And in keeping Rohl he has taken a fundamental first step.