Sheffield Wednesday’s defense is getting a major overhaul — and it’s all because of a brutal 3-0 defeat to local rivals Sheffield United. On November 24, 2025, interim manager Henrik Pedersen confirmed that veteran Scottish defender Liam Cooper, 33, will make his first start for the club in their upcoming Championship clash against Millwall at The Den in Bermondsey, London. The decision comes after Dominic Iorfa was forced off in the first half of Sunday’s Steel City DerbyHillsborough Stadium, where Wednesday were humiliated 3-0 on their own turf. It wasn’t just a loss — it was a wake-up call.
A Squad in Crisis
Sheffield Wednesday’s injury list reads like a nightmare. Nine first-team players are sidelined, including starting goalkeeper Pierce Charles, defenders Di'Shon Bernard and Ernie Weaver, midfielder Nathaniel Chalobah, and forwards Olaf Kobacki and George Brown. To make matters worse, left-back Zak Sturge is suspended, and his replacement, Joe Bryan, picked up a red card in the last match — leaving Pedersen with virtually no cover on the flanks.
“We failed to make our possession count,” Pedersen told AOL.com after the derby. It’s not just about tactics — it’s about morale. This team has lost four games in a row. They’ve earned just four points from their last ten Championship matches. The fans aren’t just frustrated; they’re exhausted.
Cooper: The Veteran Lifeline
Enter Liam Cooper. The former Leeds United captain knows pressure. He’s led teams through relegation battles, playoff pushes, and the kind of locker-room turbulence that breaks lesser men. He arrived on an emergency loan just days after Sheffield Wednesday exited administration on November 11, 2025 — a move that ended the chaotic, unpopular reign of owner Dejphon Chansiri and welcomed in a new Catalan-backed ownership group led by Ken Bates Jr..
His presence isn’t just about experience — it’s about stability. With Iorfa out, Cooper will slot into a back three alongside Liam Palmer, the club’s long-serving captain, and Max Lowe, who’s been playing out of position too often. That’s not ideal. But in football, you adapt — or you get buried.
Goalkeeping Chaos
Even between the posts, there’s chaos. Ethan Horvath, the 29-year-old American international, is holding down the goalkeeping spot for the third straight match. He’s reliable — but he’s not the long-term answer. Pierce Charles, the 20-year-old Jamaican-born talent, is still recovering from his own injury. The club’s third-choice keeper? A 19-year-old academy kid who hasn’t played above U21 level.
“We’ve got players who’ve never started a Championship game,” Pedersen admitted. “And we’re expected to compete against teams with full squads and top-tier medical staff.”
Millwall: Not Exactly Healthy Either
But don’t think Millwall are cruising. Their own injury list includes Lucas Jensen, Ryan Leonard, Massimo Luongo, and Josh Coburn. Their midfield, usually their strength, is ragged. But they’ve got one thing Sheffield Wednesday doesn’t: momentum. Millwall beat Portsmouth 2-1 last week — their first win in five games.
This isn’t just about points. It’s about survival. Sheffield Wednesday are 21st in the Championship — one spot above the relegation zone, but only on goal difference. A loss to Millwall could drop them into the drop zone for the first time since October.
What’s Next?
Administrative relief doesn’t magically fix a broken squad. The club’s new owners have promised investment — but transfers won’t open until January. Until then, Pedersen must cobble together a defense with loaners, youth players, and a 33-year-old who’s played more minutes in the Premier League than most of his current teammates combined.
Cooper’s debut won’t be pretty. But it might be the spark they need. He’s not here to be the future. He’s here to buy time — and maybe, just maybe, keep them alive until the winter window.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Liam Cooper playing now, and what’s his experience level?
Liam Cooper, 33, is a proven Championship and Premier League veteran who captained Leeds United for years, making over 300 appearances. He’s played in high-pressure derbies, promotion playoffs, and relegation battles. His leadership and defensive discipline are exactly what Sheffield Wednesday lack right now — especially with nine first-team players injured and no new signings allowed until January.
How did Sheffield Wednesday end up in administration?
The club entered administration in October 2025 after years of financial mismanagement under owner Dejphon Chansiri, who faced mounting debts and fan protests. The process, which lasted six weeks, ended with a takeover by a Catalan investment group led by Ken Bates Jr., who promised to clear debts and restore stability — a move celebrated by supporters who had long demanded Chansiri’s removal.
What’s the impact of this injury crisis on Sheffield Wednesday’s season?
With only four points from their last ten Championship matches, Sheffield Wednesday are 21st in the table — just one place above relegation. Their defensive record is the worst in the league over the past month. Without key players like Charles, Iorfa, and Chalobah, they’ve conceded 14 goals in their last five games. If they lose to Millwall, they could drop into the relegation zone for the first time since October.
Who is Henrik Pedersen, and why is he interim manager?
Henrik Pedersen, 47, is a Danish former midfielder who played in the Danish Superliga and briefly in England. He was appointed interim manager after Xisco Muñoz was sacked following the club’s exit from administration on November 11, 2025. With no time to appoint a permanent manager before the January window, Pedersen — previously an assistant — was handed the reins to stabilize the team through a crisis.
Can Sheffield Wednesday survive relegation with their current squad?
It’s unlikely without major January signings. Their squad depth is among the worst in the Championship, with several players filling multiple roles. Even if they win against Millwall, they face a brutal run of fixtures including Birmingham, Stoke, and Blackburn. Without new talent, survival will depend on grit, not strategy — and that’s a dangerous way to bet on your season.
How does this match compare to previous Sheffield Wednesday vs. Millwall clashes?
In their last five meetings, Millwall have won three, drawn one, and lost one — including a 2-1 win at The Den last season. Sheffield Wednesday haven’t beaten Millwall away since 2019. With both teams struggling, this could be a relegation six-pointer. The stakes are higher than usual — not just for points, but for pride after months of turmoil.
