Sheff Wed season ‘most difficult in English football history’

Sheffield Wednesday boss Henrik Pedersen was proud to mark the end of “the most difficult situation in English football history maybe ever” by overseeing a first home win of the season.

The Owls beat West Brom 2-1 on the final day of the Championship campaign in front of new owner David Storch, whose takeover was confirmed before kick-off.

And his takeover also brought welcome news that Wednesday would start next season in League One on zero points – the same total they finished on this term after finally wiping out their 18-point deduction at the final attempt.

“The atmosphere was amazing and I am so proud today,” Pedersen said.

“I am emotional because I know how much the players, staff and fans have invested for the club this season.

“To get that first home win on the final game of the season in front of a sold-out Hillsborough means so much more than just a win.

“Usually it would be crazy to be happy to end up on zero points but I am really happy, it means a lot for us because it shows that we never give up.

“David is a really good man. He has only been the owner of the club for 24 hours but I am so happy he has shown so much heart for this club already.

“This has been an awful situation. It has been the most difficult situation in English football history maybe ever and we got this win today to say thank you to the fans.”

First-half goals from Nathaniel Chalobah and captain Liam Palmer were enough to give Wednesday their first three-point haul since September, though they had to survive a nervy ending following Karlan Grant’s late goal.

West Brom head coach James Morrison, after his first game since being confirmed as permanent manager following a hugely successful interim spell, was frustrated with the performance.

Morrison said: “I didn’t recognise that performance today. It was certainly their celebration and we let the occasion affect us really. They probably wanted it a bit more than us which is disappointing.

“I could smell little signs before the game and it was up to me to try and nip that in the bud. In defeats you learn a lot and I’ve learnt a lot today.

“It’s the first time I’ve had to get angry at half-time but I’m not going to let my frustrations make me lose sight of the bigger picture.

“We’ve built our principles on fight and hard work but it wasn’t there today but the positive thought came into my head, thinking about where we were and where we’ve been and what we’ve achieved.

“Just imagine if we didn’t do the job last week and we came here today needing something. It would have been tough. So, that’s a positive in itself, if there is one.

“We’ve been on a great run and it’s a shame to end it like this. We’ll take some time to rest but we know how much work we have to do between now and the start of next season.”