DANNY ROHL has signed a new long-term contract at Sheffield Wednesday, ruling him out of the running to be Sunderland’s head coach.
Rohl, who masterminded the Owls’ successful survival battle in the second half of last season, was one of the candidates being considered by the Sunderland hierarchy for their managerial vacancy at the Stadium of Light.
However, the German is not now an option after talks with Wednesday chairman Dejphon Chansiri resulted in him signing a new deal at Hillsborough.
“I am delighted to extend my contract with Sheffield Wednesday,” said Rohl. “This is a fantastic club that has taken me to heart and I feel exactly the same way.
“It was never in my mind to be anywhere else but Hillsborough. I feel at home here, the fans have been incredible, they have shown myself and my staff nothing but kindness since the first day.
“I would like to thank the chairman for giving me this opportunity and now we are excited to look forward and can plan ahead together for the new season.
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“The way we finished last season was amazing, so much hard work came to fruition but we do not stop here. We must continue to show the same effort levels and desire for the future, the chairman is ambitious, I am ambitious and our fantastic supporters are ambitious too.”
Chansiri was always determined to keep Rohl at Hillsborough, with Sunderland’s interest having added to the sense of urgency in this month’s talks.
“I am delighted that Danny will be continuing his managerial journey with our club,” said the Wednesday chairman. “The impact he made when he joined was immediate and was the foundation for preserving our place in the Championship.
“He has forged a special relationship with our supporters in the short space of time he has been here and now this journey continues.”
Confirmation of Rohl’s new deal in South Yorkshire follows Thursday’s announcement that Bo Svensson, another head coach said to have been on Sunderland's radar, has taken over at German club Union Berlin. The 44-year-old had been out of work since leaving Mainz last November.
“I've been watching Union for a long time and I'm sure I'll find good conditions here for successful work,” said Svensson. “The unity that Union radiate, and the togetherness between the team, fans, staff and club management, is a very important factor. I'm looking forward to the road ahead of us and will do everything I can to ensure that we have a successful season."
Meanwhile, Norwich City have this week held talks with Will Still as the Canaries look for a replacement for David Wagner.
The 31-year-old, a free agent after his Reims exit, is said to have visited Norwich's training ground this week, but at this stage is one a number of bosses under consideration by the Canaries.
Still, who was on Sunderland’s managerial radar prior to the appointment of Michael Beale, has long been regarded as one of the front-runners for the current vacancy on Wearside.
Paul Heckingbottom, another head coach to have been linked with Sunderland, was reportedly set for talks with Plymouth this week - though Argyle are said to be preparing to hold talks with Wayne Rooney.
Francesco Farioli, who was linked with Sunderland in the second half of last season, with the speculation unsettling then head coach Tony Mowbray, has been confirmed as the new boss of Ajax.
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