Last month, Dejphon Chansiri reluctantly put Sheffield Wednesday into administration after failing to pay players on time in five of the previous seven months. The end of his 10-year reign also brings a 12-point deduction.
Since then, SWFC fans have packed out the club shop and packed out the stands, throwing their money behind the administrators as the club looks for a new owner.
Image courtesy of: ED SYKES/REUTERS.
At the start of November, reports revealed how former Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley is preparing a £10m bid to buy Sheffield Wednesday. Now, pundit Lee Hendrie has confirmed his backing of the English businessman.
Lee Hendrie backs Mike Ashley’s proposed Sheffield Wednesday takeover
Speaking to Football League World, Hendrie gave Ashley’s proposed Hillsborough takeover the seal of approval. He backs Ashley’s knowledge of the game and his business-minded approach, saying it’d be ‘massive’ if he took over at SWFC.
Hendrie said: “Mike Ashley knows the game; he’s been around it plenty to understand what £10m is for Sheffield Wednesday.
Image courtesy of: DAVID KLEIN/REUTERS.
“If he can secure the deal, it’d be massive. He’s business-minded, and he has the potential to take the club forward as a man who knows all about the industry.
“So it would be great news for Sheffield Wednesday, it’s just whether a deal can get done for £10m. That’s what would probably be the holding factor.”
The latest on Mike Ashley’s Sheffield Wednesday takeover
On November 1st, it was revealed how Ashley was preparing a £10m bid for Sheffield Wednesday. He is among the parties to have already shown the £50m proof of funds needed to get the ball rolling on a possible takeover.
Subsequent reports from iNews have now said Ashley is among ’30 to 40′ investors keen on taking over SWFC. However, that list is expected to be cut down to around 10.
The same report adds that ‘the first bids’ for the club could arrive by the end of the week, so it seems very plausible that Ashley could be the Sheffield Wednesday owner by the end of the month, if not sooner if the process goes smoothly.
Ashley has a troubled history with former club Newcastle United. But Sheffield Wednesday simply need an owner with guaranteed funds and he certainly seems to be that, though whether he’s the long-term answer for the Owls remains to be seen.
Sheffield Wednesday return to action against Norwich City on Wednesday night, with kick off at 7:45pm.