Pundit Don Goodman has stressed the urgent need for Sheffield Wednesday to secure new ownership in order to bring an end to the controversial era under current owner Dejphon Chansiri. The club initially surprised many with a promising first half of the season that saw them emerge as potential play-off contenders. However, their campaign has since unraveled, largely due to a series of off-field distractions and internal turmoil.
| Championship table (as it stands 14th April) | ||||
| Team | P | GD | Pts | |
| 9 | Millwall | 42 | 0 | 60 |
| 10 | Blackburn Rovers | 42 | 0 | 56 |
| 11 | Watford | 42 | -5 | 56 |
| 12 | Swansea City | 42 | -6 | 54 |
| 13 | Norwich City | 42 | 5 | 53 |
| 14 | Sheffield Wednesday | 42 | -8 | 53 |
| 15 | QPR | 42 | -6 | 50 |
| 16 | Preston North End | 42 | -8 | 49 |
The troubles at Hillsborough began to escalate in December when manager Danny Rohl was denied the opportunity to move to Southampton. That decision reportedly strained his relationship with Chansiri, culminating in a very public falling-out during the January transfer window. Although the two eventually reconciled, tensions flared again recently when Chansiri failed to pay the players’ March wages on time. This financial misstep almost triggered a three-window transfer embargo, as the club narrowly avoided breaching the 30-day limit allowed for overdue salaries and tax debts within a year.
As the instability continues, the club is now faced with further uncertainty. Rohl is expected to leave in the summer, with interest coming from clubs such as Southampton, Leicester City, and RB Leipzig. Supporters, increasingly disillusioned by Chansiri’s leadership, made their frustrations clear during the recent 1-0 home defeat to Oxford United. The result dropped Wednesday to 14th in the Championship table, and fans protested during the match, voicing their discontent.
Ahead of that fixture, Chansiri issued an open letter to fans, stating that while he had received no concrete offers for the club, he would be willing to sell—if the right buyer came along. On Monday, The Star reported that three groups, including two from the United States and one from the UK, are considering investing in the club. However, at this stage, no formal approaches or bids have been made.
Speaking to Football League World, Don Goodman reiterated that a change at the top is essential for Sheffield Wednesday’s future. While acknowledging that a new owner wouldn’t necessarily guarantee Premier League promotion, Goodman believes the departure of Chansiri is the first step toward recovery. He emphasized the club’s stature, its large fanbase, and the potential of Hillsborough as a venue that can once again generate real momentum.
“Sheffield Wednesday is a massive club that’s been through far too many years of underachievement, even slipping down to League One,” Goodman said. “New ownership won’t automatically mean promotion, but getting the right people in charge—both in the boardroom and on the pitch—is vital for any upward progress.”
While fans have long doubted Chansiri’s willingness to sell, recent developments suggest a shift in his stance. Protests continue to grow, including a symbolic gesture during the Oxford game, where fans turned their backs in the 10th minute—a reference to Chansiri’s decade in charge. Though the interest from potential investors offers a glimmer of hope, a completed takeover still appears to be some way off. With Rohl’s exit looming and the club’s future up in the air, Wednesday could be heading into a volatile and defining summer.
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