On Christmas Eve Sheffield Wednesday parted company with head coach Carlos Carvalhal.
Having arrived in the summer of 2015 and taken us to the Play Off final in 2015/16, he then led the side to a second Play Off campaign in 2016/17 where we were beaten by Huddersfield Town at the semi final stage.
This season hasn’t been particularly joyful for the club with us sitting in 15th place in the Championship table and the defeat to Middlesbrough was the final straw for the boardroom.
Speaking to the Official Site to announce the news, chairman Dejphon Chansiri explained.
‘I would like to offer my sincere thanks to Carlos for the time, effort and commitment he has given Sheffield Wednesday over the last two and a half years. Both parties believe the time is right to go our separate ways. I maintain a huge amount of respect for Carlos as a coach and as a person and he will always be welcome at Hillsborough. I wish him every success in the future.’
The statement confirmed that Lee Bullen would take caretaker charge for the Nottingham Forest clash on Boxing Day until we make a permanent appointment.
Carlos himself said of his sacking that in many ways the time was right.
‘The chairman and myself talked after the game and we believed this was the correct timing to make this decision. Of course, I am very sad at this moment because I have enjoyed my two seasons and a half so much with Sheffield Wednesday. We had two fantastic seasons and two play-offs on the row but unfortunately we have not managed to replicate these positions this season.’
Carvalhal went on to say.
‘There are reasons why I believe this is the case and the problems we have faced, of which I have spoken in my press conferences, so now is not the correct time to repeat. Now is the time to focus on the wonderful experiences I have enjoyed at Sheffield Wednesday and the friends I have made. The fans are fantastic, unbelievable, and I would like to thank them very much. They have given me some memories that I will always cherish. I would like to thank all the players for the way they have given me nothing less than 100% support and commitment. Myself and my staff felt at home at Sheffield Wednesday and I cannot say anything higher than that on a personal level.’
