Sheffield Wednesday face Blackpool this weekend still searching for a permanent head coach following the sacking of Henrik Pedersen. The club dismissed Pedersen after less than 15 months in charge, a period that included relegation from the Championship and an 18-point penalty.

Interim boss Matt Hamshaw oversaw a 1-1 draw with Cambridge United on Tuesday night and will remain in charge for the visit of Blackpool. Sheffield Wednesday sit ninth in League One on 19 points, two points off the play-off places and six behind leaders Huddersfield. Their recent form of two defeats, two draws and a win has left them in a congested mid-table.

Evatt's perspective

Ahead of the fixture, Blackpool head coach Ian Evatt offered his thoughts on the managerial change at Hillsborough. Evatt said he had empathy for coaches who lose their jobs, describing football as a difficult industry. He suggested people often forget the difficult circumstances Pedersen worked under last season, adding that he thought the Dane handled himself and the club superbly during uncertain times.

Evatt noted that in the modern game everyone demands instant success, but building a team is a process and a journey. He said managers are usually the first to be fired when results dip. The Blackpool boss also acknowledged the challenge of playing at Hillsborough, with its capacity for 30,000 fans creating a brilliant atmosphere. He called it as hard a test as you can get in League One.

The interim period

Sheffield Wednesday's search for a permanent successor continues under new owners Arise Capital Partners and sporting director Simon Wilson, who was appointed in June. It remains unclear whether an appointment will be made before Sunday's game. The club's recent results include a 2-0 defeat at Doncaster Rovers that preceded Pedersen's dismissal and the subsequent 1-1 draw with Cambridge, where Mason Burstow scored for Wednesday.

Hamshaw's immediate task is to prepare a squad that has scored 21 goals this season, with Jamal Lowe the top scorer on five, for a match against a Blackpool side positioned 20th in the table. Blackpool have 13 points from their opening 11 games. Evatt's side have won their last two league matches, including a 3-0 victory over Charlton Athletic last weekend, and will be looking to build on that momentum at Hillsborough.

Sheffield Wednesday's new ownership group, Arise Capital Partners, has stated the club will take its time to find the right long-term appointment. The process is being led by sporting director Simon Wilson, who is conducting a thorough review of candidates. The club's chairman, Dejphon Chansiri, has stepped back from the day-to-day football operations following the takeover.

The game at Hillsborough kicks off on Sunday afternoon.

First reported at Blackpool Gazette