With new ownership finally imminent, does Henrik Pedersen DESERVE a chance to continue as Sheffield Wednesday manager?

Absolutely yes, in my view.

Would it be only fair to judge him in LESS impossible circumstances? Too right.

Which it’s taken the genuinely admiring manager of Sheffield United to say better than anyone.

But is Henrik likely to get that chance? Far less sure on that one (I’m talking next season - continuing for now not at issue).

When did fairness hold sway in football? When did new backers not want their own man in?

And that is not to criticise them. Which leaves me fearing for the future of a man who’s stood by the Owls in arguably the darkest days in their history.

Who, for all the occasional exasperation aimed at him, has kept a dressing room upbeat when it should have been on the floor.

Who is entitled to loyalty in return for standing there answering for someone else’s gross mismanagement.

Results in football are relative. They depend largely on the resources and players a manager has. But they are still results and the game rarely looks outside of the bottom line.

It’s wrong but it’s real. There’d be appreciation for Pedersen on the way out and a potentially rapturous welcome for a new man, especially a “name.”

But let’s look at it from another angle - to what would be best for the club at the start of a new era.

Henrik could at the very least have an important bridging role, providing some continuity whether as manager, advisor or coach.

He and his family are fully invested in the club and the area. His heart very quickly has gone right to the centre of it. I believe it would be foolish to discard him, certainly at the outset.

As for the takeover, the David Storch-Tom Costin bid appears to be in pole position as this is written, assuming they’re prepared to proceed on -15 points next season which they’d indicated they wouldn’t if it sticks.

While I’ve backed Mike Ashley as a good option on the depth of his resources, the administrators seem to have little choice on bids that are far apart.

Storch, pleasingly big on infrastructure and fan engagement, may not have the wealth of Ashley but I understand he has already cleared most of the EFL checks - so no long delay likely.

Good sources closer to the talks rate it a credible enterprise and whoever holds sway will deserve full support.