Promotion-winning manager reveals unrealistic aims Dejphon Chansiri set in vacancy talks

Former Brighton and Sunderland manager Gus Poyet has revealed that he held talks to become Sheffield Wednesday manager in December 2020. However, discussions collapsed due to what he described as unrealistic expectations set by then-owner Dejphon Chansiri. Poyet met with Chansiri following the sacking of Tony Pulis, but negotiations ended when the owner targeted a play-off finish despite the team sitting second from bottom in the Championship.

Poyet explained that with roughly 21 matches remaining, he viewed the role as a relegation battle with the potential to reach mid-table. Because the club insisted on reaching the play-offs, Poyet concluded the target was impossible and talks concluded. Sheffield Wednesday eventually hired Darren Moore later that season, who later achieved promotion back to the Championship in 2023.