Lee Hendrie believes that the time may have come for Dejphon Chansiri to part ways with his stake in Sheffield Wednesday. According to reports from The Sun, Anas Sefrioui, a Moroccan billionaire, is reportedly eyeing a potential takeover of the Championship club. Chansiri has been in charge of the Owls since 2015, overseeing two play-off campaigns in the second tier, as well as the club’s relegation to and subsequent promotion from League One. However, the financial difficulties, such as the delayed player wages as recently as March, have sparked frustration among the supporters, who are growing increasingly disillusioned with the Thai businessman’s leadership.
Despite these challenges, Hendrie believes Sheffield Wednesday still holds significant potential, thanks to the club’s rich history and size. He feels that now is the perfect moment for Chansiri to sell, particularly with the work done by manager Danny Rohl. Hendrie, speaking exclusively to Football League World, emphasized the club’s historic value, saying, “It’s a massive football club that’s stayed in the Championship. They’ve got a really good manager in Danny Rohl who is driving them forward.” He added that it would be an ideal time for Chansiri to step aside and allow a fresh investor to bring new ideas to the club.
Hendrie expressed that there are several factors currently holding the team back, with Chansiri potentially being one of those obstacles. While he acknowledged that the owner likely expects a high price for the club, Hendrie believes that a change in ownership could give Sheffield Wednesday the boost they need to reach the next level. “With the right investment and a wealthy owner with the right drive, I think the club could definitely move forward,” he said.
| Championship standings 2024-25 (As of April 23rd) | ||||
| Team | P | GD | Pts | |
| 10 | West Brom | 44 | +8 | 60 |
| 11 | Swansea City | 44 | -4 | 60 |
| 12 | Watford | 44 | -7 | 56 |
| 13 | Sheffield Wednesday | 44 | -9 | 56 |
| 14 | Norwich City | 44 | +1 | 53 |
| 15 | QPR | 44 | -6 | 53 |
Currently sitting 13th in the Championship, Sheffield Wednesday are not far from mid-table, with 56 points from 44 games played. However, Chansiri’s strained relationship with the fans, particularly due to issues with player wages, makes it clear that a change in ownership could be a positive step for the club. Whether Sefrioui’s potential deal goes through remains uncertain, but any change would likely be welcomed by the Hillsborough faithful. With the club’s rich history, large stadium, and dedicated fan base, a new owner might also be able to offer stability and convince Rohl to stay, which would be a crucial step forward for the future of Sheffield Wednesday.
Leave a Reply