Sheffield Wednesday striker Ike Ugbo has joined Apollon Limassol, but he has not received a fond farewell message from Kris Wigfield.
Sheffield Wednesday were taken over by Arise Capital in May, with David Storch fronting the bid. An administration exit deal was struck with the EFL, prompting the departure of Begbies Traynor and vocal frontman Kris Wigfield.
Wigfield, an SWFC fan himself, has continued to share insights on the goings on at Hillsborough since the administrators departed. Now, he has issued a scathing message regarding the departure of Ike Ugbo to Apollon Limassol.
Quoting a video that was shared by Ugbo on Instagram, Wigfield said on X: “Getting rid of characters like this from the Club is just as important as any signing.”
“When even in the bleakest of financial circumstances, a high wage earner shows such entitlement for the money they receive and such contempt for the supporters that were literally paying his wages- you have no chance. Good riddance.”
How has Ike Ugbo responded to Wigfield’s Sheffield Wednesday exit message?
The ill-feeling between Wigfield and Ugbo is clearly mutual. The striker took to Instagram to respond to the former Sheffield Wednesday administrator’s comments, writing:
“I hate having to give this man any attention, but when people choose to speak publicly, I’ll correct the record once.
“I won’t explain private matters for entertainment. Those who know the truth know my character. Some people mistake a position for authority and an opinion for fact.
“One of the first things this man did as admin was try to fine me over rulings which made no sense to me. The way I was questioned about my prescribed medication showed me everything I needed to know.
“I’m sure there’s plenty of time now to focus on being proud of the boys week in week out. That’s the last I’ll speak on the past.”
The details behind Ugbo’s tough time at Sheffield Wednesday are not known, and in truth, perhaps they shouldn’t be. As he said himself, it is a private matter, and it should not be aired as dirty laundry in the wake of his departure from Hillsborough.
The Verdict: Ugbo will be ready to move on as Sheffield Wednesday exit turns ugly
You would be hard-pressed to find someone who didn’t acknowledge Ugbo’s permanent stay at Sheffield Wednesday as a failure. Off the back of his excellent loan stay, the former Chelsea striker did not kick on as hoped as he struggled to recapture his previous form.
For a while now, it has been clear that a parting of the ways will suit all parties. As he heads for Cyprus, Ugbo will be determined to get back on form to simply enjoy his football again.
Ike Ugbo’s Sheffield Wednesday stats
This sour exit will make both the 27-year-old and SWFC pleased that a deal has been done for the two to part ways for the season. And, it means that a full-time exit is almost a certainty when the loan ends in the summer of 2027.
As Ugbo embarks on a new chapter, Sheffield Wednesday and Henrik Pedersen are looking to push for a return to the Championship at the earliest opportunity.
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