Sheffield Wednesday legend David Hirst gives David Storch verdict and reveals plans for 'Hirsty's Social'
Work is well underway at Hillsborough to transform the 1867 Lounge into Hirsty’s Social.
Former Sheffield Wednesday striker David Hirst has admitted he is impressed by the impact David Storch has made since his consortium, Arise Capital Partners, purchased the club at the start of May.
Arise, which is governed by Storch, finalised its takeover of the Owls on May 1, bringing an end to one of the darkest periods in the club’s history. Although a mountain of work is required at Hillsborough, both on and off the pitch, Storch and his team have already demonstrated they have the stomach for the challenge they inherited.
On the pitch, Wednesday have made a strong start to the summer transfer window, bringing in eight new players so far, including the return of club legend Barry Bannan from Millwall. The Scot returned to Hillsborough on a free transfer last week, signing a one-year deal.
Off the pitch, Arise are in the process of overseeing various improvements to the club’s infrastructure, including upgrades at Hillsborough. Last month, the club unveiled a new range of premium matchday experiences ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, including the transformation of Hillsborough’s 1867 Lounge, which is in the process of being turned into ‘Hirsty’s Social’.
Plans to transform the 1867 Lounge were confirmed a little over 48 hours after Hirst, who never saw eye to eye with former Wednesday chairman Dejphon Chansiri, revealed that he had been invited to become a club ambassador. Storch and his Arise team are keen to engage with Wednesday’s former players after they were often overlooked under the previous regime.
Although Storch has only had the keys to Hillsborough for a matter of weeks, Hirst is encouraged by the start he’s made, describing him as a ‘great guy’ and an individual that wants to interact with people.
Hirst told the Owls’ YouTube channel: “It was great to be invited. I first met David Storch when he actually hadn’t got the club at that time, but I was very keen to have a conversation. He invited me and I met him in town. I had a little chat with him.
“The reason I called him ‘Storchy’ prior to this was because, when I first met him, he asked me what name I went under. Is it David or ‘Hirsty?’ I told him ‘Hirsty’ was good by me.
“He said: ‘I’m Storchy, so we can go with that’. So I’m calling the owner of the club ‘Storchy’ like we have been pals since school. He is a great guy, very enthusiastic, bubbly, wants to meet people, wants to see what he can bring to this football club, and so far, so good.
“Things are turning around in the ground, on the pitch, and everything’s looking rosy.”
Following last month’s announcement, work is well underway with transforming the 1867 Lounge into ‘Hirsty’s Social’. Hirst will hold court on matchdays at Hillsborough, hosting supporters in the new-look area.
In a YouTube video released by the Owls on Wednesday, footage showed progress being made with the ongoing building work ahead of the start of the new season. ‘Hirsty’s Social’ will take on a sports bar vibe and will house regularly rotated memorabilia in its entrance. Over 300 supporters are expected to be able to be catered for.
“Most people probably know I enjoy a drink,” Hirst joked, addressing the plans to launch ‘Hirsty’s Social. “Not too much these days, but enough!
“I had a conversation with Storchy and with David Bruce and he asked me to come on board as an ambassador of the football club and also to have ‘Hirsty’s Social’ as a bar where I am going to be every home game, having a chat with everybody in here, bringing in a few guests, whether it be ex-players, local musicians, cricketers, or a few people I know that will come in.
“I think it says what it does on the tin a little bit. Hirsty’s Social... I think it’s about people coming in, socialising and enjoying what’s going forward at Sheffield Wednesday.
“I will come in before games, go around, have a chat with people, and I might even partake in a couple of drinks. I think we all know the answer to that one!
“I have got to have a drink with the people in here because that is what it says: ‘Hirsty’s Social’. I wouldn’t be social if not, would I?
“At half-time, we’ll probably have a look at what’s gone on in the game. We’ll then go back out and watch the second half. Afterwards, people will be able to stay behind after the game has finished and have a little chat with whoever’s in the room and talk about the game.
“We might even do a bit of a Q&A after the game, asking what the fans thought about the game and go with that, really. I’m looking forward to it.”