EFL weekend: Clement, Pedersen and Evans under pressure as Norwich, Sheffield Wednesday and Bristol Rovers struggle
Norwich City's five-game losing run, Sheffield Wednesday's slide and Bristol Rovers' poor form put Philippe Clement, Henrik Pedersen and Steve Evans in the spotlight ahead of the weekend fixtures.
Pressure is mounting on several EFL managers as the season enters its final round of fixtures before the clocks go back, with Norwich City's Philippe Clement, Sheffield Wednesday's Henrik Pedersen and Bristol Rovers' Steve Evans among those facing scrutiny. Crawley Town's Colin Kazim-Richards and Bromley boss Andy Woodman have already left their clubs in the past 48 hours.
At Norwich, Clement is dealing with a five-match league losing streak that has left the Canaries 21st on nine points from 11 games, one point and one place better off than at the same stage last season under Liam Manning, who was sacked after another four straight defeats. Former Hull City striker Aaron McLean said he had tipped Norwich for promotion and was surprised by their form, describing them as short of confidence. Clement told BBC Radio Norfolk he must stay calm amid the frustration, noting there are still 35 games to play. Norwich also lost striker Mohamed Toure, who had scored five goals in seven league games, to a shoulder injury expected to keep him out for months. They visit Charlton Athletic on Saturday.
Sheffield Wednesday have dropped from top to seventh in League One after one win in five, and some supporters called for Pedersen to go during Tuesday's 2-0 defeat by Notts County. BBC Radio Sheffield's Rob Staton said the table might make criticism look harsh but that Wednesday cannot keep playing so poorly, noting the squad had to be rebuilt in a summer. The Owls next face South Yorkshire rivals Doncaster Rovers, who are 19th.
Bristol Rovers began with four wins in five League Two games but have dropped to 16th after one victory in seven, including four successive defeats. Evans told BBC Radio Bristol the run is causing sleepless nights and that he has spoken with assistant Paul Raynor at 3am, adding that he expects the side to bounce back. Rovers host Swindon Town, managed by former Gas player Ian Holloway, in a West Country derby on Saturday; the Robins are level on 15 points and one place above on goal difference after ending an eight-match winless run by beating Barnet 3-1.
Elsewhere, Cardiff City have shown signs of hope with a 5-1 win over Watford and a draw at Middlesbrough, but host in-form Birmingham City, while League One leaders Stockport County, led by Kyle Wootton's nine goals in 11 games, visit Notts County.
Image: Shutterstock / BBC Sport
