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Carlos Carvalhal has left his position as Sheffield Wednesday head coach by mutual consent. The Portuguese, who guided the Owls to the playoffs in his first two seasons at Hillsborough, leaves the club on the back of a seven-game winless run. His exit comes just hours after chairman Dejphon Chansiri released a statement criticising fans who chanted for his dismissal in the wake of Saturday's 2-1 home defeat to Middlesbrough. Chansiri has now said in another statement: "I would like to offer my sincere thanks to Carlos for the time, effort and commitment he has given Sheffield Wednesday over the last two and a half years. "Both parties believe the time is right to go our separate ways. I maintain a huge amount of respect for Carlos as a coach and as a person and he will always be welcome at Hillsborough. "I wish him every success in the future." Carvalhal was a left-field appointment in the summer of 2015 as the 52-year-old was an unknown coach who had been out of the game for three years. But he proved an astute selection as in his first season at the helm he took the Owls to within 90 minutes of a first Premier League return in 16 years, before they suffered a playoff final defeat to Hull. He delivered a second successive playoff campaign last season, but that one ended in a semifinal defeat to Huddersfield. Despite some heavy investment, including the signing of striker Jordan Rhodes, the Portuguese has been unable to repeat that success this term. That saw a lot of fans increasingly turn against Carvalhal, culminating in chants for his removal after the defeat to Boro. Carvalhal added: "The chairman and myself talked after the game and we believed this was the correct timing to make this decision. "Of course, I am very sad at this moment because I have enjoyed my two seasons and a half so much with Sheffield Wednesday. "We had two fantastic seasons and two playoffs on the row but unfortunately we have not managed to replicate these positions this season. "There are reasons why I believe this is the case and the problems we have faced, of which I have spoken in my press conferences, so now is not the correct time to repeat. "Now is the time to focus on the wonderful experiences I have enjoyed at Sheffield Wednesday and the friends I have made. "The fans are fantastic, unbelievable, and I would like to thank them very much. They have given me some memories that I will always cherish. "I would like to thank all the players for the way they have given me nothing less than 100 percent support and commitment. "Myself and my staff felt at home at Sheffield Wednesday and I cannot say anything higher than that on a personal level."
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