Carlos Carvalhal leaves Sheffield Wednesday

Club says manager has left by mutual consent

Carvalhal describes SWFC fans as "unbelievable... fantastic"
Author: Richard MuriePublished 24th Dec 2017

Sheffield Wednesday have today announced that manager Carlos Carvalhal has left the club after 2½ years by mutual consent.

The Owls lost 2-1 at home to Middlesbrough yesterday - a result which also saw Boro part company with their manager Garry Monk.

Lee Bullen will be in charge of Wednesday for the Boxing Day trip to Nottingham Forest.

SWFC chairman Chairman Dejphon Chansiri's official statement said: "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."

And Carvalhal said: "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.

"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.

"I would also like to thank everyone at the training ground and in the offices, for welcoming us to their club and making us feel like we belong. It is not always an easy transition to begin work in another country and especially at such a massive club but the support that has been given with genuine warmth made that transition very natural.

"Finally, I say a very big thank you to the chairman, who has been amazing throughout my time with Sheffield Wednesday. He is the best chairman I have ever worked with in my life in football and I hope everybody at Hillsborough can help him achieve the dream of the Premier League."