This article is part of Football League World’s ‘Terrace Talk’ series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
In recent seasons, Sheffield Wednesday’s off-the-field difficulties have been just as visible as those on the pitch, with many fans becoming increasingly disgruntled with owner Dejphon Chansiri.
While no formal takeover has yet occurred, some believe that change is finally on the way.
Sheffield Wednesday: Fan predicts Chansiri exit, but warns that it won’t be simple
When asked for his gut sense on whether Sheffield Wednesday would have new ownership by this time next year, FLW’s Owls fan commentator Patrick McKenna acknowledges it’s the toughest question to answer.
“I have really had to think on this one,” replied Patrick. “My gut impression is that, certainly, new owners will be in charge. On Wednesday, it appears that Chansiri has reached the end of his career. However, I do not expect any takeover deal to be completed very soon, nor will it be drawn out or messy.
Patrick did not mince words in his criticism of the current owner, whom he says is clinging to a false narrative about his objectives for the club.
“Chansiri is still spinning this false narrative that he loves the club, and that he only wants to sell to someone he believes is worthy of selling it to. Which is totally insane.
Wednesday’s financial struggles and fan pressure could force a sale
For many supporters, the indicators have long pointed to a required sale, and Patrick feels Chansiri’s deteriorating financial situation may finally bring that moment to pass.
“He should have sold by now. It makes no sense for him to be clinging on. He has to throw money at the club every month just to keep it operating, and he has a difficult time doing so every year,” he explained.
“There have been persistent concerns with player wages, so at this point, he needs to start listening to bids and selling it at a decent price. However, I believe that the issue of an acceptable price could be a significant stumbling block in discussions. What Chansiri feels he should get for the club is not the same as what he actually gets.”
Patrick also pointed to the strength of fan protests and new EFL regulatory measures as potential drivers for change.
“If we can keep the protests going and the pressure on, even though he keeps saying he doesn’t like protests, we might be able to force a sale.” Hopefully, the new EFL measures will put pressure on him, as it is clear that he cannot operate this football club.
In conclusion, Patrick reiterates his opinion that, despite the obstacles, the ownership chapter under Chansiri is reaching an end.
“Overall, I believe by this time next year, his time at Wednesday will be done. But it will not be a quick and easy procedure.”
Pressure continues to mount on the pitch
While Wednesday’s off-field difficulties have been clear for several years, the club may be on the verge of losing one of its most valuable assets, head coach Danny Röhl.
Speaking to Football League World last week, Patrick hinted that the German head coach could leave Hillsborough this summer.
“I can see him going to a bigger club in the future and right the way to the top of the game,” he remarked.
“But Southampton is the team who came in for him in December, so they were interested in him. They didn’t want to pay the release clause, but it will be decreased this summer. Danny Röhl will realize that his time at Wednesday has come to an end.”
“He has taken us as far as he can, and he isn’t prepared to work under Chansiri any further,” he told me.
In his first management post, the 36-year-old orchestrated an incredible relegation comeback, bringing a struggling team out of the bottom three in the final stages of the 2023/24 season before leading them to a mid-table finish in this one.
| 2024/25 Championship table | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Team | P | GD | Points | |
| 10 | Middlesbrough | 46 | 8 | 64 |
| 11 | Swansea City | 46 | 5 | 61 |
| 12 | Sheffield Wednesday | 46 | -9 | 58 |
| 13 | Norwich City | 46 | 3 | 57 |
| 14 | Watford | 46 | -8 | 57 |
Sheffield Wednesday find themselves at a pivotal crossroads on and off the pitch
Fan unhappiness and growing troubles under Dejphon Chansiri’s management continue to feed calls for change, and while fan analyst Patrick does forecast an eventual exit, he does not foresee it being an easy and clean one.
Meanwhile, on the pitch, the likely departure of head coach Danny Röhl, who oversaw the club’s incredible recovery, represents yet another impending shift for the Owls.
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