Sheffield Wednesday takeover hopes rise as Bannan calls for boost

Sheffield Wednesday captain Barry Bannan believes a change in ownership could spark a much-needed lift at Hillsborough. With the club in administration since October, supporters are watching two bidders as they vie to take charge and restart a season that has been tough from the start.

Joint administrators Kris Wigfield and his team say progress is being made to identify a preferred bidder, while keeping the details of the process confidential. Bannan says news could come in the coming days and that a takeover could provide the momentum the team needs.

Two bids in the frame

The race currently features two clear options. One comes from former Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley, and the other is a joint American bid led by billionaire John McEvoy with involvement from the Storch family. Reports place the total cost to settle creditors and administration at around £35 million.

Under English Football League (EFL) rules, if unsecured creditors are not paid at least 25 pence in every pound, the club faces a potential 15-point penalty in a future season. Wednesday sit bottom of the Championship and are already dealing with a nine-point deduction, complicating the fight against relegation.

What a takeover could mean for next month

Any new owner would still need to fund upgrades to Hillsborough’s facilities and the training ground. Earlier in the season, the North Stand was closed for safety checks, though the restriction was lifted ahead of the home fixture announcement.

If a takeover is confirmed and approved by the EFL, it could unlock activity in the January transfer window. Bannan says the squad desperately needs reinforcements after a challenging start and a lean squad has limited options during a busy period around Christmas.

Squad, injuries and a tough schedule

Wednesday’s discipline has been heavy: 18 points have been docked this season (12 for entering administration and six for financial breaches). The EFL confirmed there will be no additional sporting sanctions this season, but the on-pitch results have been hard to swallow, with only one league win so far and the team bottom of the table, 29 points from safety.

Bannan stresses there is no time for excuses and that the squad must start winning games. The club let key players depart in the summer and has had to cope with a thin squad, relying on youth teams as the schedule intensifies around the festive period.

The head coach, Henrik Pedersen, has admitted he has only eight senior players with Championship experience, which has forced him to lean on the under-21 and under-18 squads. The flow of injuries and international duty, including Africa Cup of Nations departures for Yan Valery and Sean Fusire, adds to the strain.

Despite the challenges, Bannan remains hopeful: a takeover in time for January could bring in fresh signings and help the team embark on a winning run as the season progresses.

Expert view

Expert comment: A timely takeover would bring much-needed financial stability and could unlock improved on-field performance as the club rebuilds. Football analyst Dr. Mia Carter notes that relief from administration typically helps a team regain focus and resources to compete again.

Short summary

Sheffield Wednesday are awaiting a decision on the takeover, with Barry Bannan urging patience and optimism as the club faces administration-related challenges. The pending bids from Ashley and a US-backed consortium could reshape the club’s finances, stadium plans, and squad ahead of January. If approved, the deal might deliver the funding needed for new players and infrastructure, offering a path away from relegation trouble.

Key takeaway: A timely takeover could stabilize finances, accelerate the rebuild, and provide the momentum needed to turn the season around. Source: BBC Sport

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