Sheffield Wednesday manager to hold talks with Lincoln City.

Sheffield Wednesday boss Henrik Pedersen has already begun laying the groundwork for next season, with the club preparing for life in League One following their confirmed relegation.

The Owls endured a historically difficult campaign, suffering the earliest relegation ever recorded in the English Football League back in February. Their struggles have been evident both on the pitch and behind the scenes, making this a season to forget for everyone associated with the club.

Despite ongoing uncertainty surrounding proposed takeover discussions, there has at least been clarity about what lies ahead in footballing terms. With their drop to the third tier confirmed so early, Sheffield Wednesday have had more time than most relegated teams to begin planning for the challenges of League One.

As part of that preparation, Pedersen is keen to draw lessons from clubs that have recently succeeded at that level. One standout example this season has been Lincoln City, who have emerged as a model of how to achieve promotion despite operating on a relatively modest budget compared to many of their competitors.

Lincoln City secured their return to the Championship on Monday afternoon in dramatic fashion, clinching victory with a late goal against Reading. Under the guidance of Michael Skubala, the Imps have completed an extraordinary rise, earning a place in the second tier for the first time in 65 years. Their journey is even more remarkable when considering that just a decade ago, they were competing in the National League.

In a symbolic twist, Lincoln will effectively replace Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship next season. While the title race is expected to be wrapped up soon, their promotion already highlights the effectiveness of a well-structured approach, even without the financial muscle of some rivals.

For Sheffield Wednesday, who are likely to face financial constraints and operate with a reduced budget next season, Lincoln’s success offers a valuable blueprint. Their ability to compete and ultimately secure promotion without excessive spending is exactly the kind of model the Owls may need to follow.

Pedersen has made it clear that he intends to study Lincoln’s methods closely. Speaking about his plans, he revealed that he has arranged a meeting with the club’s sporting director, Jez George, to gain insight into how they achieved such success.

He explained that there is much to be learned from other clubs, emphasizing the importance of understanding different approaches across divisions. Interestingly, he noted that while Lincoln are eager to learn about operating at Championship level, he himself is equally focused on gaining a deeper understanding of League One.

Pedersen expressed admiration for Lincoln’s achievements this season, acknowledging the respect they have earned through their performances. He also indicated that his discussions will not be limited to just one club, as he plans to speak with a range of figures within the game to broaden his knowledge.

His belief is that the more insight Sheffield Wednesday can gather about League One, the better their chances will be of building a competitive team capable of making an immediate impact. Preparation, understanding, and learning from others are central to his strategy as he looks ahead to the new campaign.

Looking at the broader picture, there has been considerable debate this season about the overall quality of League One. Some observers have suggested that the standard may be lower than in previous years, though such claims are difficult to measure with certainty.

One indicator often used is the number of points required to secure a top-six finish, and this season that threshold is expected to be lower than usual. However, that does not necessarily mean the league is less competitive. In fact, it may suggest that more teams are closely matched, creating a tighter and more unpredictable competition.

At the other end of the table, teams fighting to avoid relegation are likely to need more points than in previous campaigns. This again points to a league where the margins between success and failure are increasingly fine.

Sheffield Wednesday will not be the only high-profile club facing the challenge of League One next season. Leicester City, another club with a strong history, are also in danger of dropping into the third tier. If that were to happen, the Foxes could face significant financial difficulties, adding further intrigue to the division.

The presence of such clubs, combined with others already competing in League One, is expected to make the race for promotion in the 2026/27 season even more intense. With more teams willing to take risks in pursuit of a return to higher levels, the competition is likely to become increasingly fierce.

For Sheffield Wednesday, the task ahead is clear but far from straightforward. Learning from successful examples like Lincoln City, adapting to financial realities, and building a squad capable of competing in a highly competitive environment will all be crucial.

Pedersen’s proactive approach suggests that the club is determined to avoid lingering in League One and instead mount a serious push for promotion. Whether they can replicate the success of teams like Lincoln remains to be seen, but their early planning could give them a valuable head start.