Owls Captain Sees Takeover as Key Boost in Bid Talks
Skipper Barry Bannan says a new owner could provide the much-needed lift Sheffield Wednesday require as they pursue a takeover amid administration at Hillsborough.
Sheffield Wednesday are hoping a new owner will deliver a much-needed boost as they navigate administration and a difficult spell at Hillsborough.
The club moved into administration in October, ending a decade of ownership under Dejphon Chansiri. Progress toward naming a preferred bidder is the focus for supporters and staff as talks continue behind the scenes.
Two bidders remain in the frame. On Friday, joint administrator Kris Wigfield said confidentiality remains essential, but there is genuine progress toward a decision on the next owner. Barry Bannan, Wednesday’s captain, believes a resolution could come soon and that the squad is eager for fresh leadership.
Speaking to INLIBER Sport, Bannan said: “There should be a new owner coming in the next couple of days, hopefully. We’re optimistic the takeover is close.” He added that the club needs a boost after a poor run of results and a string of defeats has tested the group’s confidence.
What a takeover could mean for Wednesday
As the process moves forward, two offers remain in contention. One is from Mike Ashley, the former Newcastle owner, and the other is a joint bid from American businessman John McEvoy and members of the Storch family. The cash required to settle creditors and administrators is reported to be around £35 million.
Any deal must also satisfy the English Football League (EFL) insolvency rules. If creditors are not paid at least 25p in the pound, Wednesday would face a 15-point deduction, typically applied at the start of the next season. With the Owls currently at the bottom of the Championship on -9 points, a start in League One next season on -15 could complicate any immediate promotion bid.
Beyond ownership, the club faces significant upgrades to Hillsborough and its training facilities. The North Stand was closed over safety concerns but later reopened after a temporary halt to the notice, highlighting the financial and logistical hurdles a new buyer would confront.
If Ashley is chosen as the preferred bidder and the deal gains EFL approval, it would mark a return to football ownership for the entrepreneur who ran Newcastle United from 2007 to 2021. While his time at St James’ Park was controversial among some fans, he was known for trying to keep the club financially stable during tough years.
The broader context sees Wednesday’s squad thinned by exits, with key players like Josh Windass and Michael Smith leaving last summer and others sold during the current window. The club has also been forced to rely on free signings, including Liam Cooper and Nathan Redmond, to bolster numbers as a demanding schedule approaches.
Manager Henrik Pedersen has warned that resources remain limited. He has described having only eight senior players with Championship experience, with youth players filling gaps while injuries and international duties bite. Bannan acknowledged the squad’s strain, noting inconsistencies in performances as the season progresses.
With a busy Christmas fixture slate approaching, the captain said the team must start winning and that the early signs under new leadership would be crucial for turning the campaign around. He also expressed cautious optimism that a takeover could arrive in time for January’s transfer window, offering a chance to strengthen and begin a winning run.
Expert comment
Analysts say a timely takeover could stabilise finances and help Wednesday re-focus on football rather than administration, but any new owner must move quickly to rebuild the squad and facilities.
Short summary
Sheffield Wednesday are awaiting the outcome of takeover talks after entering administration in October. Two bidders remain, including Mike Ashley, with a potential £35 million required to settle debts. A successful deal could lift the club’s fortunes, but it must also navigate EFL rules and a challenging schedule as they chase a return to form.
Key takeaway: A timely takeover could provide financial stability and renewed optimism for Sheffield Wednesday, but success hinges on quick, decisive action and relief from ongoing penalties. Source
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