Sheffield Wednesday's Chaotic Summer Deepens
With just 10 days remaining until the new Championship season kicks off, Sheffield Wednesday faces mounting turmoil following manager Danny Rohl's departure and the closure of Hillsborough's North Stand. These developments cap off a chaotic summer marked by unpaid wages, political intervention, and growing fan unrest.
How Did Sheffield Wednesday Reach This Crisis Point?
Under owner Dejphon Chansiri's leadership, Sheffield Wednesday has grappled with persistent cashflow problems. While Chansiri hasn't publicly addressed the root causes, the situation has deteriorated significantly this summer:
- Delayed payments to HMRC in 2023-24 escalated to late wages for players, coaches, and staff in May and June
- The club currently faces an EFL embargo for unpaid transfer fees
- Registration restrictions prevent any new signings, including free transfers
- Transfer bans extend through the 2026 windows
Professional Footballers' Association chief Maheta Molango called the situation "shocking" and "not tolerable", while local MP Clive Betts urged Chansiri to sell, accusing him of holding the club "hostage".
Who Is Owner Dejphon Chansiri?
The Thai businessman, whose family controls the world's largest canned tuna producer Thai Union Group, purchased Sheffield Wednesday in 2015 for £37.5m. While the club reached Championship playoffs in his first two seasons, relations with fans have soured in recent years:
- Public clashes during fan forums and statements
- 2023 demand for fans to raise £2m to cover HMRC debts
- Growing protests organized by supporters' groups
Current Developments at Hillsborough
The crisis has intensified with several critical developments:
- Managerial Departure: Danny Rohl left by mutual consent just before preseason
- Player Exodus: Key players including Akin Famewo, Callum Paterson, and Josh Windass have departed
- Stadium Issues: North Stand closed due to safety concerns
- Financial Uncertainty: Non-playing staff face continued payment delays
The club's remaining squad shows just 22 goal contributions from contracted players, compared to 55 from departed stars last season.
Challenges for Potential Buyers
While multiple parties have expressed interest in acquiring Sheffield Wednesday, significant obstacles remain:
- Chansiri rejected a £40m offer plus promotion bonuses
- Negotiations described as "unique" and "unorthodox" by insiders
- Player departures may lower the club's valuation
- Potential EFL sanctions loom over the club
With the season approaching, time is running short for a resolution to Sheffield Wednesday's deepening crisis.
