“It’s a truly special place to work”

Pete Shuttleworth says he is ‘proud’ of his time at Sheffield Wednesday and that he leaves with ‘fond’ memories.

Shuttleworth, who was first-team coach under former manager Henrik Pedersen, has departed the club with immediate effect, it was announced earlier on Thursday. He leaves after just over a year at S6 following the appointment of Dave Challinor as manager.

Challinor has brought in Clint Hill and Anthony Sweeney as coaches, while Matt Hamshaw will stay on as part of the first-team set-up. Andy Holdsworth will continue to focus on individual player development for those aged 18 and above, while Giles Coke returns to his role with the under-21s.

Posting on social media, Shuttleworth said he was ‘disappointed’ to be leaving and that his departure had ‘happened much sooner than he had hoped’ but added that he was in no doubt the ‘special’ club would be successful in the future.

“So, my time at Sheffield Wednesday has come to an end,” he wrote. “It’s happened much sooner than I had hoped, but this is elite sport and the world we are working in.

“Firstly, I would like to thank Henrik for bringing me in and giving me the opportunity to work at a club like Sheffield Wednesday. It’s a truly special place to work.

“To the staff, who I’ve formed really good relationships with, I know that I now have many friendships that will last beyond this last year. And to the players - thank you to all who I have worked with. You are a brilliant set of footballers, but also a great set of lads - and I really hope you go on and get promoted this season. A special thank you for all the messages, these are all saved and will be read over and over and help me bounce back from the disappointment.

“I’m not proud of the results over the last year, they in the circumstances were made somewhat irrelevant. What I am proud of, though, is that we fought and worked so hard in Sheffield Wednesday’s lowest point, we kept the club competing. Even as everything was ripping apart, we managed to keep the club, the staff and players together. We competed against all the odds and no one ever downed tools or took their foot off the gas. It’s a testament to everyone who was there at the club and something that should not be forgotten as time passes.

“The fan connection through these times has shown that they appreciated how we kept it afloat and they understood the challenge we faced. Thanks for all the positive messages during these times. And then to witness the start of the new ownership and how they have invested and changed the whole dynamic of the club for the better, it’s been amazing to see.

“The day against West Brom was one of my fondest football memories and it started this new era which I have no doubt will be successful. My family will never let me forget Wednesday – especially because the shirts are all around the house! I am honoured that I got to experience this football club and all that it stands for. Good luck to everyone for the future.”

Shuttleworth was a popular member of staff and players have since wished him well.

Liam Cooper said: “One of the good guys! Pleasure getting to meet you and form the friendship we now have. I’m sure you’ll be back in the game in no time mate. All the best to you and yours.”

Jamal Lowe said: “Absolute pleasure,”, while Max Lowe added: “Pleasure mate! Will be missed by everyone.”

Earlier, Owls sporting director, Simon Wilson, paid tribute to Shuttleworth, saying: “Pete has been an important part of the football operation during a period of considerable change at Sheffield Wednesday. His extensive knowledge of the game and recruitment network have been hugely valuable, while his ability to bring people together, encourage collaboration and support players with genuine care and professionalism has been greatly appreciated. His commitment has also extended beyond football, with Pete making a positive contribution to community causes and initiatives connected to the club. On behalf of everyone at Sheffield Wednesday, I would like to thank Pete for his dedication and commitment and wish him every success for the future.”