Sheffield Wednesday hit by devastating setback after Sky journalist’s update
Sheffield Wednesday are far from being in the clear from a financial standpoint yet as the fallout around Dejphon Chansiri’s controversial ownership and exit lingers on.
Sheffield Wednesday’s disheartening summer saw a number of players leave for pastures new, while existing members of staff went three months without being paid due to controversial owner Dejphon Chansiri’s shortfalls.
Chansiri wanted over £100million from a prospective buyer to sell the club, but neither a takeover nor sale was able to happen as second-tier Wednesday were placed under further embargoes relating to more unpaid wages to players and staff.
The end of his time at the club was finally reached last week as Wednesday were placed into administration and hit with an automatic 12-point deduction by the EFL.
Owls’ supporters and neutrals alike have celebrated Chansiri’s departure, but despite his exit, there is no real light at the end of the tunnel just yet as they continue to look for new investment.
Wednesday players and staff set for more late wages
Wednesday were facing a points deduction for months due to Chansiri’s repeated failure to pay his players and staff on time, and the delay in payments is not likely to change just yet despite him not being involved anymore.
Sky Sports’ Rob Dorsett has reported via X that the Owls’ players and staff may be paid late once again for this month, in a clear reminder that “many tough times remain” despite the improved feeling around Hillsborough.
He has stated that the club’s administrators are working hard to maximise funds to pay wages, which are a priority and due on Friday (31 October).
Sky Sports‘ report claims that the club’s playing staff will be “given priority” so as to meet the club’s obligations when it comes to paying football creditors, and to try to prevent further sanction from the EFL in terms of points deductions.
John Textor could take over at Hillsborough
The Owls now sit bottom of the Championship with minus six points, meaning they have little hope of staying up despite a valiant effort under Henrik Pedersen in their first 12 games of the season.
Chansiri’s departure means they are after a new owner to lead the club forward to better times in the years to come, and administrator Kris Wigfield has revealed there has been concrete interest from parties who could soon take over.
Former Crystal Palace co-owner John Textor has been linked with a Wednesday takeover, but he is not the only one who could soon be in place to succeed Chansiri.
American billionaire John McEvoy is interested in becoming Wednesday’s new owner and is among the leading candidates to strike a deal.
Owls supporters will simply hope that they are taken over by somebody who has the best interests of the club at heart, especially in the long-term, considering that this season is already effectively written off.