'Hugely positive' - Sheffield Wednesday Supporters Trust issues statement as Owls enter new era

The Sheffield Wednesday Supporters Trust has commended Arise Capital Partners LLC’s eagerness to engage with the club’s supporters following the completion of their takeover at Hillsborough.

The members of US consortium - governed by new Owls chairman David Storch - secured the keys to Hillsborough on Friday and were formally unveiled in front of more than 30,000 Wednesdayites at Hillsborough on Saturday ahead of the Owls’ 2-1 win over West Bromwich Albion.

Storch, stood in the centre circle alongside fellow Arise members Michael Storch and Tom Costin, plus the Owls’ new CEO, David Bruce, made a speech that lasted around eight minutes. He brought it to a close by revealing that Wednesday will start life in League One next season with a clean slate after having an anticipated 15-point deduction quashed.

Storch vowed to “return the club to the fans” following years of mismanagement and chaos under former owner Dejphon Chansiri. Storch has placed a firm emphasis on fan engagement and wants to involve them in as many key decisions as he possibly can to take Wednesday forward.

In response to confirmation of Arise securing control at Hillsborough, the Wednesday Supporters Trust, who have worked closely with the new ownership group in recent weeks, have praised them for expressing a keen interest in restoring the relationship between the club and its supporters, describing it as “a hugely positive starting point”.

A statement issued on Sunday morning said: “Yesterday, we welcomed the beginning of a new era for our football club. On behalf of the Sheffield Wednesday Supporters Trust, we extend a warm welcome to David Storch, Michael Storch, Tom Costin and the Arise Group as they take ownership of Sheffield Wednesday.

“This moment has not come easily. We have stared down uncertainty, frustration and heartache, yet the loyalty and resilience of Wednesdayites has never faltered. We have stood together. That spirit must now fuel our future.

“Now is our chance to move forward together and to restore Sheffield Wednesday as a proud symbol of its history, its people, and its city. We have been encouraged by the approach shown by David, Michael and Tom in recent months. Their willingness to listen, engage, and understand the importance of the relationship between the club and its supporters is a hugely positive starting point.

“The completion of the takeover, alongside the club and Hillsborough Stadium being brought back together under one ownership, represents an important step towards long-term stability.

“As a Trust, we stand ready to play our part in helping create a better Wednesday. We will work constructively with the new ownership, offering support where needed and challenge where required, always with the best interests of Sheffield Wednesday at heart.

“The brighter days of Sheffield Wednesday are yet to come.”