New Wednesday manager Henrik Pedersen issued a rallying call to players and fans alike today as he takes on a huge task at Hillsborough.

Pedersen finds himself picking up the on-field pieces of a club in total disarray after a well-documented shambles of a summer at S6.

Delayed payment of wages to all staff, the departure of several key players along with previous manager Danny Rohl, continued speculation over possible new owners and the North Stand currently closed on safety grounds … while, publicly at least, the current chairman has remained virtually silent on all matters.

On the pitch, Pedersen faces what looks to be the toughest of tasks to keep a much-weakened and slimline Wednesday squad in with a chance of Championship survival, and after today’s appointment he spoke of the need for a fighting spirit on the pitch and the continued backing of the fans in the stands.

Pedersen, who talked of his g6reat pride at being appointed Wednesday manager, told the club website: “This club has a fantastic history, one of the giants of English football and it is now my job to help get us back to the position we should be in.

“Is this going to be easy? No. We are maybe in rough waters at the moment but as a proud Dane I can tell you that like our Viking ancestors, stormy seas don’t bother us too much. You have to get used to it, to weather the storm to get to calmer waters.

“This is a really great club, with great fans and I will do anything and everything to help us thrive and grow. We will have to fight and battle for everything but with the right mentality we can achieve great things as a team.

“To the fans, I ask that we stick together. At times we may need to be a little patient as we strive to grow. We all care deeply and will do all we can to bring the great times back to Hillsborough.

“I only ask that you get behind your team.”