Prospective Sheff Weds owner David Storch planning to keep boss Henrik Pedersen in League One

David Storch is minded to retain Henrik Pedersen’s services as Sheffield Wednesday manager if he gains control of the financially stricken club, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal. 

Pedersen, who inherited a squad unfit for purpose after being appointed last summer, turned down a number of high-profile positions in order to take charge at Hillsborough during the dying embers of Dejphon Chansiri’s controversial and ultimately catastrophic reign as chairman.

The Dane wants to remain at the helm next season, which The Owls will spend in League One after being relegated from the Championship following a series of points deductions. 

And, barring a last minute change of heart, Storch looks set to repay that loyalty by offering him the chance to work with a remodelled and potentially competitive team rather than the one which has spent the campaign languishing at the foot of the table.

Although the American’s takeover has yet to be ratified, after a rival proposal by compatriot James Bord collapsed, there is growing confidence among his corporate backers and inner-circle that it will soon receive the greenlight from the English Football League and independent regulator. 

Deserves Chance At Rebuild

Reports surfaced earlier this month that Storch would look to replace Pedersen with a more high-profile figure such as Steven Gerrard or Wayne Rooney should either be minded to accept the challenge of resurrecting one of the game’s most storied institutions. 

But Wednesday insiders have told SportsBoom that, after holding a series of meetings with Pedersen in recent weeks, Storch has been impressed by the 48-year-old’s plans for the future. 

The former Stromsgodset and HB Koge coach has gone on record to reiterate his commitment to The Owls in recent days.

However, it is Pedersen’s links to Red Bull, for whom he worked in Ghana, which have piqued Storch’s interest and, in the process, perhaps provided a clue as to the kind of model he wants to follow if Wednesday are placed under his ownership. 

The multinational conglomerate, which is based in Austria, has interests in a number of different clubs and sporting projects across the globe. 

Pedersen’s knowledge of working within such a corporate web, not to mention his contacts, could prove invaluable if Storch looks to leverage The Owls’ profile.