As many continue to predict, a busy summer lies ahead for Sheffield Wednesday.
Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl has recently been linked with Sunderland, in what could perhaps kick-start a huge chain reaction at Hillsborough.
Regardless of whether the Owls are playing in League One or the Championship next season, Rohl leaving would surely prompt a lot of changes within the playing staff, as it’d be extremely difficult for Dejphon Chansiri to find a worthy replacement.
And of course, Rohl leaving Sheffield Wednesday would be terrible news for Owls fans and for Chansiri. But for one forgotten Wednesday man, it could mark a fresh start.
Ruthless Danny Rohl not afraid of Sheffield Wednesday exiles
Rohl comes across as a very good man manager; he obviously, genuinely cares about the club, the fans, and the players.
But he’s also shown a ruthless streak, making no mistakes about who he wants in the team and who he doesn’t.
Several players have barely featured under the German, including striker Lee Gregory and midfielder Jeff Hendrick.
Another is Reece James; the 30-year-old full-back signed on a permanent deal last summer, looking like a very solid signing for the Owls.
But this season, James has featured just eight times in the Championship.
Danny Rohl exit would mean fresh start for Reece James
James, a left-back by trade, has been kept on the sidelines this season, playing behind Marvin Johnson but then also seeing Kristian Pedersen come in, and push him further down the pecking order.
It’s surprising given James’ popularity and performances last season; he featured 28 times in League One, scoring once and assisting three times, with his permanent arrival going down well among supporters.
But under Xisco Munoz and now Rohl, it seems like James’ confidence has been drained, with just one substitute appearance in the league to his name in 2024; he wasn’t even on the bench against Ipswich Town last time out.
He remains a vastly experienced player and if Wednesday go down and Johnson leaves in the summer, James could come right back up to first-choice left-back.
But if Rohl stays and Sheffield Wednesday remain a Championship team it could spell another tough season for the Englishman.
The Owls return to Championship action against Swansea City this weekend and with Pedersen unable to feature against his parent club, it could mean a return to the matchday squad for James