David Hirst gives verdict on Arise and Sheffield Wednesday improvements following Owls takeover
Arise Capital Partners have taken on a massive challenge after completing their purchase of Sheffield Wednesday - but Owls legend David Hirst is already encouraged.
Former Sheffield Wednesday striker David Hirst has admitted he is encouraged by Arise Capital Partners’ plans to take the club forward, admitting he has already spotted improvements in S6.
Arise completed their takeover of the Owls at the start of May, bringing an end to the most stressful period in the club’s history. Wednesday had been in administration since last October after former owner Dejphon Chansiri made the decision to relinquish his control of the club.
There is no underestimating the size of the challenge facing Arise consortium members David Storch, Michael Storch and Tom Costin, but they are determined to try and get Wednesday back on their feet after such a turbulent period.
Arise plan to make improvements across the board and work has already started at both Hillsborough and the club’s Middlewood Road training base. Among the improvements expected to be delivered ahead of the start of next season is the installation of hot water in all four stands at Hillsborough and Wi-Fi of a world-class quality.
Arise have also appointed David Bruce, who has offered Hirst a role as a club ambassador, as chief executive and plan to further strengthen the off-field structure with the addition of sporting director Simon Wilson.
Although Arise’s premiership is only just a few weeks old, Hirst is already seeing evidence of the impact they have had at Hillsborough.
“At the moment, the best it's been in ten years,” Hirst told BBC Radio Sheffield, addressing his relationship with the club. “To be fair, the previous owner and I didn't really get along well.
“[He] made a bit of a hash of the football club and I think everybody would agree with that. Now, having met the new owners, Tom and David, coming in and listening to what they've got planned for Sheffield Wednesday and how things are going to turn around, without promising massive improvements, they're going to improve the club.
“I've seen the improvement already in and around the stadium, whether that be on the training ground or the offices. People have got a bit more of a smile on their face. So yes, I'm looking forward to the new season ahead, as I'm sure everybody else at Sheffield Wednesday [is].”
Wednesdayites have bought into Arise’s vision to take the Owls forward with a record-breaking 20,908 season tickets confirmed to have been sold ahead of the first phase of sales coming to an end on Monday. Chief executive Bruce set a target last month of selling north of 21,000.
“I've just seen they broke the season ticket sales record of over 20,000 season ticket sales, which pretty much says that there's going to be a packed house every home game,” Hirst added.
“So that'd be great for the players once recruitment's finished and they start the season, and for Sheffield Wednesday fans to hopefully be able to walk around the town with a smile on their face for a change.”