'I can't' - Henrik Pedersen explains why he has not walked away from Sheffield Wednesday
Henrik Pedersen has had to lead by example throughout the most difficult period in Sheffield Wednesday’s history.
Manager Henrik Pedersen has admitted he has never once considered walking away from Sheffield Wednesday, insisting “it’s so far from my nature” to abandon people when they need help and support most.
Pedersen stepped up from assistant manager to take the job at Hillsborough last July, replacing Danny Röhl, and nothing could have possibly prepared him for the challenges and obstacles he would face this season.
After the squad was ripped apart last summer, players and staff went unpaid, training pitches were not prepared, and pre-season plans were left in disarray, Wednesday were as good as relegated before the season had even started.
MORE: 'Outstanding' - Southampton boss shares Henrik Pedersen verdict ahead of Sheffield Wednesday clash
The club then went into administration in October, triggering an immediate 12-point deduction, before a further six points were shaved off their tally at the very start of December. It has all contributed to the club being officially relegated before the end of February.
Despite leading Wednesday to just one win this season, Pedersen has refused to shy away from the challenge, attempting to tackle it head on by being positive and upbeat. He has earned plenty of respect for the way he has conducted himself throughout, refusing to throw the towel in at any point.
And he has now revealed in an interview with a Danish publication that he simply could not walk away and leave his colleagues to face the challenge without him.
"I can't just leave people in the lurch,” Pedersen told Bold. “It's so far from my nature.
“When I accepted the job, we knew it would be a difficult season. But we also hoped and believed that we would have a new owner in place before Christmas and the transfer window.
“So, of course, I can't just stick my tail between my legs and get away from this. I want to support and help them all the way.
“Of course I will. We can't say that humans come first and then just abandon ship.”
Pedersen astonished by number of departures
After losing 16 members of last season’s first-team squad last summer, Wednesday then lost long-serving captain Barry Bannan and striker Bailey Cadamarteri in the winter transfer window. Yan Valery also departed earlier this month, joining Swiss club BSC Young Boys on loan for the rest of the season.
"At that time we never in our wildest dreams thought we would lose so many players,” Pedersen continued. “It has been so tough, and that's why I have even more respect for how the players, staff and personnel at the club have acted.”
Following the collapse of the James Bord-led takeover bid earlier this week, Wednesday are still no closer to finding themselves under new ownership, meaning plans for life in League One next term cannot even get off the ground.
Pedersen added: “We have been relegated to League One. A new owner has not been found.
“So it is extremely difficult to plan for the future. I can say that very clearly. For me, for the staff and for the squad it is about making the most of every day until May 2 and delivering the best possible performance. For the sake of our fans and everyone in and around the club.”