Josh Windass reacts to Danny Rohl’s emotional Sheffield Wednesday exit message
Sheffield Wednesday witnessed the highly anticipated exit of boss Danny Rohl on Tuesday amid the continued mass exodus at Hillsborough.
Amid Dejphon Chansiri’s severe financial failings, Sheffield Wednesday supporters were angered by Rohl’s exit on 29 July.
The German established a strong reputation in South Yorkshire, largely thanks to the relegation-avoiding exploits of the 2023/24 season.
Meanwhile, Wednesday’s financial shortcomings were responsible for the fact that former star man Josh Windass joined Wrexham.
Windass reacts as Rohl thanks Sheffield Wednesday
Despite the challenges posed by Chansiri’s ownership, Rohl steered the Owls to a 12th-place finish in the Championship last season.
After leaving the South Yorkshire outfit on 29 July, the 36-year-old wrote on Instagram: “A very special time is coming to an end and I am incredibly grateful for the experiences we have shared over 21 unforgettable months together.
“I thank our chairman for his faith and giving me the opportunity to take my first steps as a manager. I thank my players for such a successful collaboration, your tireless commitment, and for being great humans.
“I am proud of all of your personal resilience and efforts. Thanks to my staff, I’m finding it difficult to find the right words today.
“You were always there for me and the players, too. You worked with so much passion, day after day, week after week.
“I am very proud to have had each of you with me over the last 21 months. From the first team evening to the last day, I could not have asked for better people to be alongside.
“I also want to highlight my gratitude specifically to my coaches, Sascha Lense, Sal Bibbo, Chris Powell, Neil Thompson, and Henrik Pedersen, for the fantastic bond we created, it was a pleasure to experience this with all of you.
“Two images will always remain in my mind: the atmosphere in the Sunderland dressing room and the picture after the Watford game.
| Opponent | Date |
| Leicester (A) | 10/08 |
| Stoke (H) | 16/08 |
| Wrexham (A) | 23/08 |
“We were a unit. I wish each of you only the best, good health, and a bright future. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Finally, I want to say thanks to the passionate supporters of this great football club. I will never forget all the amazing memories that we enjoyed together.
“You make this club such a special place to be a part of with the passion that you showed throughout, and I will miss you all so much.
“This summer has been difficult and, in the end, the club and I came to the mutual decision to part ways. I understand the different thoughts and reactions to everything that has been going on during these past few months.
“I am extremely grateful to have had this opportunity. Even during the difficult moments and setbacks, I have always continued to feel the support from everyone.
“I take so many special moments away with me that will remain in my heart. We achieved a miracle together, and that will always be something truly exceptional.
“I wish everyone associated with Wednesday my very best. I will never forget you.
“The gaffer.”
Rohl’s emotional departure message to Sheffield Wednesday attracted a like from Windass.
Rohl is set for a successful managerial career away from Hillsborough
Football Insider verdict
The fact that Rohl’s Owls career has ended in such testing circumstances is as ironic as it is difficult for Sheffield Wednesday supporters to take.
After most recently reaching the Championship playoffs in 2017, the South Yorkshire outfit fell on tough times and endured two consecutive League One seasons before clinching promotion back to the second tier in 2023.
The Hillsborough outfit appeared destined for relegation to the third tier when Rohl was appointed in October 2023, but the German guided them through a relegation battle in trying circumstances.
Rohl subsequently installed hope at Sheffield Wednesday last term, as a playoff push appeared to be on the cards before they encountered a tough January window, thanks to Chansiri’s ownership.
The former Germany assistant’s future remains unclear, but his stint in South Yorkshire shows that the 36-year-old has a bright managerial career ahead of him.
Previous interest from Rangers and Leicester City in Rohl is a strong endorsement of the job he has done in the Championship.