Sheffield Wednesday has been besieged by speculation in recent months, particularly around the future of SWFC manager Danny Rohl. However, potential acquisition proposals have resumed, as decisions are being made about the futures of Hillsborough’s out-of-contract players.
At the end of April, a Florida-based group made their first offer for the Championship side. It was slammed as ‘derisory’ by owner and chairman Dejphon Chansiri, and the Thai entrepreneur has now turned down a new bid from the same company.
According to The Star, Sheffield Wednesday has turned down the most recent offer from this American organization. It is unclear whether this bid was close to being approved.
At this point, it is unclear whether they will return with a third bid, but fans will be encouraged by the fact that they returned with a second approach after having their first one rejected by SWFC CEO Chansiri.
Chansiri has repeatedly stated that he would sell to the right bidder at the appropriate price, but no takeover attempt has ever materialized amid speculation of a high valuation.
Constant Sheffield Wednesday uncertainty
Sheffield Wednesday have enjoyed some really good seasons over the last two years, rising from League One, avoiding a quick return, and moving into the Championship’s mid-table group.
However, as has been the case during Chansiri’s tenure, the next fiasco has only been a matter of time.
SWFC has rarely experienced actual stability, whether due to delayed wage payments, unexpected managerial changes, threats of transfer embargoes, or other factors. It is a credit to the management, coaching staff, and players that they have progressed up the second tier this season.
SWFC has rarely experienced actual stability, whether due to delayed wage payments, unexpected managerial changes, threats of transfer embargoes, or other factors. It is a credit to the management, coaching staff, and players that they have progressed up the second tier this season.
No further progress until ownership changes?
It must be noted that there are times when Chansiri merited his plaudits. In recent history, he was responsible for hiring Rohl at Sheffield Wednesday and re-signing him last summer.
However, with a conspicuous lack of linkages between ownership and management, it appears like the Owls will be unable to make significant progress up the football ladder until this situation changes. Furthermore, Chansiri has showed little interest in entertaining appointments of sporting directors or similar figures, who can be critical to a club’s success.
Only when a new owner takes over will we see such changes at Hillsborough, but with another takeover attempt turned down, fans will not be holding their breath.
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