'Emotional' Henrik Pedersen speaks of Sheffield Wednesday pride and salutes new owner David Storch
'Emotional' Henrik Pedersen speaks of Sheffield Wednesday pride and salutes new owner David Storch
An emotional Henrik Pedersen waxed lyrical about Sheffield Wednesday’s new owner David Storch after his side reached the zero-point mark in the Championship.
It has been a season of turmoil at Hillsborough, but one that has ended on a much-needed high note.
The completion of a takeover by Storch and his Arise Capital Partners colleagues was confirmed before the club’s season finale against West Bromwich Albion.
Seemingly buoyed by the significant off-field boost, the Owls secured a 2-1 win over the Baggies with goals from Nathaniel Chalobah and Liam Palmer.
The victory was only Wednesday’s second of the Championship season and took them to zero points, a number they had targeted after being docked 18 points. Wednesday have also discovered they will not be hit with a 15-point deduction in League One next term.
Emotional Henrik Pedersen speaks
Pedersen said: “The atmosphere was amazing and I am so proud today. 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.”
The West Brom view
Baggies boss James Morrison, meanwhile, 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.”