New Sheffield Wednesday owner David Storch already has 'love' for Owls
Arise Capital Partners completed a takeover of Sheffield Wednesday at the weekend
New Owls owner, David Storch, is already starting to feel ‘love’ for Sheffield Wednesday, believes manager Henrik Pedersen.
The 73-year-old was introduced to the fans at Hillsborough, alongside his son Michael, and business partner Tom Costin, ahead of the game against West Brom on Saturday as the curtain came down on the Championship season. He received a thrilling response from the stands which was only amplified even more when it was announced that Wednesday would not be starting next season with a points deduction.
The full house, atmosphere, the welcoming of the new owners and a first home win in more than a year made for a memorable day for everyone in what has been an extremely desperate season. Footage showed Storch, who mingled with fans outside the ground before kick-off, jumping out of his seat as the goals went in.
“It was a very emotional day, but a fantastic day,” Pedersen told The Star. “I spoke with David Storch in the morning and he had a fantastic day. I spoke with him again in the evening and you can feel how warm and how much he already loves it. And I spoke with Tom, it was a fantastic day for everyone to be a part of this event.”
Although the feelgood factor remains, attention has quickly turned to planning for next season in League One. Pedersen is having meetings with new owners Arise Capital Partners this week and talks are ongoing with players regarding contracts.
“We can call Saturday day number one,” Pedersen said. “It was the final day, but it was also the first day. And it was the first day of the rebuild. And I think we all felt this energy, this atmosphere, we love it and it should be the energy for Sheffield Wednesday in the future. To work with this purpose, to rebuild Sheffield Wednesday, you can only smile and be happy for this.”
Pedersen was speaking to The Star at The Yorkshire Classico Padel Tournament, a fundraising event for Weston Park Cancer Charity at Club de Padel in Sheffield. The tournament saw players from Wednesday, United, Leeds, Barnsley, Rotherham United and Doncaster Rovers go head-to-head.
“I think this event today is amazing,” Pedersen added. “There's a lot of guys who help each other to get this done. I'm really pleased to be a part of this. It's lovely to see how many people they support.”