Sheffield Wednesday have announced that manager Darren Moore has left the club by mutual consent in a shock exit.
His backroom staff follow him out of Hillsborough, three weeks after winning the play-off final to achieve promotion to the Championship. Ex-West Brom defender and former Jamaica international Moore, 49, had been in charge of the Owls since March 2021 and led a remarkable campaign last season, culminating in an epic finish at Wembley.
Wednesday sensationally beat South Yorkshire rivals Barnsley in the last minute of extra-time during May's League One play-off final, but that moment of drama from goalscorer Josh Windass was just the tip of the iceberg. In the semi-finals, Wednesday were stunned by Peterborough - a team they'd finish 19 points above - suffering a catastrophic 4-0 defeat in the first leg.
In the aftermath of the loss, Moore was subject to vile racist abuse, despite leading Wednesday to a record-breaking 96 points in the regular season. Somehow, Moore's men made it past Peterborough on penalties following a 5-1 victory in the return fixture at Hillsborough, inspired by their manager's leadership qualities and strength despite such abuse.
Now with less than a month to reflect on their success, Birmingham-born Moore has walked away. "I would like to take this time to acknowledge the chairman, Mr Chansiri, for giving me the opportunity to manage this great football club in Sheffield Wednesday, it's been a journey in every sense," he began in a statment.
"Both the chairman and myself have been determined to get this club back into the Championship. I'm delighted this has been achieved, and I hope the football club continues to develop and will soon fulfil the dream of mine, which was to take them back to the Premier League where they belong.
"I would like to thank all the players, past and present, that I have had the joy of working with over my time here. For the many hours spent on the training ground and in the classroom, I thank you all. The staff who have worked so hard day in, day out, I thank you for your commitment and help throughout my campaign.
Have your say! Where should Darren Moore go next? Join the debate in the comments section.
"Now to the loyal fantastic fans, all you Wednesdayites, I want to thank you personally and from the bottom of my heart. With all your support and passion we have created history this season and achieved our goal of promotion. This was most apparent during the second leg of the play-offs at Hillsborough when so many people around the country thought it wasn't possible, we rallied together to achieve the impossible.
"Also the scenes I witnessed from the technical area at Wembley, especially for the winning goal, will be images I will never forget. Onwards and upwards to you all at SWFC and please stay together as one. WAWAW [We're All Wednesday Aren't We]."
Wednesday chairman Chansiri added: "Both parties believe that now is the right time we go our separate ways. The journey of Sheffield Wednesday with Darren has been in many ways unique and always as a team.
"In the football industry, journeys come to an end and now is that time, which we both agree. The mutual respect we have for each other is immense on a personal and professional basis and I offer my sincere thanks for the dedication and commitment Darren has given to our club. Darren will always be welcome at Hillsborough."
