Sheffield Wednesday’s “hand-to-mouth” existence is over after owner Dejphon Chansiri placed the club into administration. The move, which provides a “fresh restart,” also comes with a devastating 12-point penalty, leaving the Owls on -6 points.
The club has been in financial turmoil since the summer, when former manager Danny Röhl and key players left over unpaid wages. The club started the season with just 15 first-team players and has been using solidarity payments to cover immediate debts, including $pounds{}$1 million owed to HMRC.
Fans, who have been boycotting, are “overjoyed” at Chansiri’s exit, which they blame for “years of financial mismanagement.” The “bittersweet” day was marked by the removal of Chansiri’s name from stadium seats.
Administrator Begbies Traynor is now in control, marketing the club and stadium as a package. Manager Henrik Pedersen, while acknowledging the “sad situation,” said he sees a “bright future” and believes his team can still fight for survival, despite being 15 points adrift.
The Supporters Trust is now calling for a “phase of renewal.” They are urging all fans to return to Hillsborough, stating, “Every ticket bought, every shirt worn… helps the club rebuild.”
