'I want to be upfront' - Sheffield Wednesday facing fresh points deduction as Kris Wigfield issues update
Sheffield Wednesday point administrator Kris Wigfield has confirmed the Owls might have to navigate their way through more difficulties before the situation improves.
Joint administrator Kris Wigfield has confirmed it is possible Sheffield Wednesday could soon receive another points deduction - but admits he is confident “better days are coming”.
The Owls, after going into administration last month, were docked 12 points by the English Football League, leaving them on -6. They have since clawed it back to -4 after draws against West Bromwich Albion and Norwich City earlier this month.
However, as expected, Wednesday are set to receive further punishment for the various sanctions and charges they have been handed over the last few months amid former owner Dejphon Chansiri’s chaotic running of the club.
The former Owls chairman, alongside the club, was charged by the EFL back in June for multiple breaches of EFL regulations relating to payment obligations. It is understood any deductions will be taken from this season’s tally.
In an attempt to be as honest and transparent with the club’s supporters as possible, Wigfield has confirmed the possibility of another points deduction coming to fruition, admitting a tough period lies ahead between now and January, although he is hopeful the situation will begin to improve before too long.
Penning a statement on the club’s website, Wigfield, who has used the opportunity to reflect on Sunday’s Steel City derby defeat to Sheffield United, said: “A difficult day - but a brighter future ahead. Yesterday really hurt.
“A Steel City Derby is a fixture that means everything to our supporters, and a result like that is incredibly difficult to take. But the job of Julian [Pitts], Paul [Stanley] and myself is to lead from the front, steady the club, and make sure we all pick ourselves up.
Wigfield reflects on derby day defeat and looks to the future
“The players are hurting, the staff are hurting, and the supporters are hurting - but this is a moment to stay together, not fall apart. We are going through the hardest period in Sheffield Wednesday’s history, and results like yesterday’s are a symptom of that wider context. It will not be like this forever.
“There are positive developments happening off the pitch. We have received a number of good offers for the club, and over the coming days we will be evaluating them in detail. As I said on Friday, our hope is to grant preferred bidder status by 5 December. That would allow the EFL’s processes to begin and move the club a significant step closer to new ownership and a new chapter.
“At the same time, I have to be honest: there may be more difficult news coming, including the possibility of a further points deduction. I want to be upfront about that because our supporters deserve transparency. But I also want to be clear: the period between now and January should be as tough as it gets.
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“If we secure a buyer as planned, January becomes a chance to regroup, strengthen, and start building a far brighter future — one this club and its supporters absolutely deserve.
“In the meantime, we must all dig deep. We need your backing for our staff that pour their heart and soul into the club every day - and for Henrik [Pedersen] and the players to get through these incredibly challenging circumstances. We need your support in the stadium, your energy, your belief - because that is what will get us through this dark period.
“Better days are coming. A new start is within reach. And together, we will get there.”