'Got our club back' - Dominic Iorfa makes Sheffield Wednesday admission after takeover confirmed
Sheffield Wednesday can finally look forward to a brighter future following the completion of Arise Capital Partners LLC’s takeover of the club.
Defender Dominic Iorfa is confident better times are on the horizon for Sheffield Wednesday after Arise Capital Partners LLC completed their takeover of the club.
The US consortium, which is made up of David Storch, Michael Storch and Tom Costin, secured the keys to Hillsborough on Friday and were formally introduced to more than 30,000 Wednesday supporters ahead of Saturday’s 2-1 win over West Bromwich Albion at Hillsborough.
David Storch made his maiden speech as Owls chairman from inside the centre circle, outlining just a few upgrades he plans to introduce at Hillsborough this summer. He also confirmed the club will start life in League One next season on a level playing field, revealing an anticipated 15-point deduction had been quashed.
That news means Wednesday will be focused on trying to compete towards the top end of League One rather than looking over their shoulder and attempting to avoid successive relegations and a first ever stint in the fourth tier of English football.
Iorfa, who has witnessed just about every high and low possible during his seven years at Hillsborough, is now hopeful the arrival of a fresh start will allow Wednesday to move forward and enjoy a brighter future.
“As everyone said, we have finally got our club back,” Iorfa told the club’s in-house media. “It has been amazing to see everyone here, a full attendance, everyone happy, everyone in full voice, it has been amazing.
“The good thing is that we were able to get a good result to cap it off, and hopefully, going into the future, there are bright days ahead.
“It has been a tough season for players, staff and the fans as well. It has been tough for everyone. Obviously, it was hard under the last ownership, but you can now see everyone is happy, we have got the club back and, yes, going forward, it should be really good.
“As you can see, the fans are in full voice now and this is why you love playing football, playing in front of a great set of fans like this. Everyone is happy and in full voice, and there is no better feeling.”
Confirmation of the takeover being finalised ahead of kick-off on Saturday lunchtime only energised what was already a party atmosphere.
“Having the new owner here, speaking to the fans before the game, you could feel the energy and the buzz around the whole stadium,” Iorfa added. “The fans have got something to look forward to now, something positive.”