Sheffield Wednesday: Owls to continue producing matchday programmes

Sheffield Wednesday have confirmed they will continue to produce matchday programmes next season.

Earlier this month at the English Football League’s annual general meeting, clubs voted to end compulsory publication due to declining sales and increased costs involved in production.

Now Championship, League One and League Two clubs can can make decisions on whether to print programmes on a match-by-match basis.

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The Owls currently produce the Wednesday programme which costs £3 and consists of columns from manager Jos Luhukay and club legend Mel Sterland as well as interviews with players and other features.

Although it is no longer mandatory for member clubs to produce programmes, Wednesday insist they will still print a programme for every home match ahead of the 2018/19 season.

A club spokesman told The Star: “We applaud the EFL stance on this subject given the advances in online media in recent years.

“While this has impacted on print media across the board, we are fortunate that much of our readership of ‘Wednesday’ has remained loyal and supportive.

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“We pride ourselves on the content and versatility of our programme, which is reflected in strong sales and numerous industry awards.

“’Wednesday’ has long been a central part of the matchday experience at Hillsborough and will hopefully continue that way for many seasons to come.”

In a statement released on June 8, the EFL said: “Mandatory publication of a programme was required due to a number of the EFL’s partnership, sponsorship and opt in agreements. EFL clubs approved an amendment which allows clubs to opt out of providing advertising in match programmes on the basis it is replaced with other inventory.

“This amendment will mean that the requirement to deliver programme advertising in the EFL regulations will only apply if a match programme is produced. The amended regulation provides each club with the option to determine whether or not they publish a match programme.”