'Club reborn' - First words of new Sheffield Wednesday owners as David Storch era begins with a bang
Sheffield Wednesday’s new owners and the club’s administrators have spoken following the official announcement of the Owls takeover
David Storch has spoken for the first time since the official announcement to herald the dawn of a new era at Sheffield Wednesday, saying the club “deserves stability, ambition and a clear direction.”
The Star reported on Friday that the takeover had gone through but the new ownership waited until before the match against West Brom, during a party atmosphere at Hillsborough, to confirm their name above the door.
The new owners got off to a flyer with the revelation that they will begin next season without the points deduction that many feared, which could have been as much as -15. This despite not fulfilling the EFL’s minimum dividend rule that threatened them with a 15-point haircut.
Storch said in a statement sent to The Star: “Ever since we attended the match against Norwich City at Hillsborough on 5 November and saw the excitement and enthusiasm from the fans, we’ve been hooked. From the very beginning, this has been about more than an acquisition. It has been about responsibility - to the Club, to its history, and most importantly to its supporters.
“Sheffield Wednesday deserves stability, ambition and a clear direction. That is what we are here to deliver.
“We know trust must be earned. We are humbled by the opportunity, we take this seriously as stewards of this incredible club - we will approach this with humility, transparency, and a long-term commitment to doing things the right way.
“I would like to thank the EFL for their constructive engagement in reaching this resolution. This has been a complex journey, and their willingness to work with us to secure a fair and sustainable position has been vital.
“I would also like to acknowledge the administrators at BTG, whose expertise, diligence, and steady guidance have been instrumental in navigating this highly challenging situation.
“In addition, I want to recognise the outstanding work of my team, whose dedication, professionalism, and belief in the potential of this football club have been central to achieving this result.
“I would like to pay tribute to the hard work and support of the Sheffield Wednesday Supporters’ Trust and local Members of Parliament, whose engagement and advocacy have been so important throughout this process.
“To our supporters: thank you for your incredible passion and loyalty. It was a privilege to share this moment with many of you at Hillsborough, and we look forward to continuing this journey together.“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the entire staff at Hillsborough and Middlewood Road for their hard work and dedication during the most challenging of times.“The circumstances they have endured are unprecedented but their professionalism and loyalty shown throughout must be and is recognised.
“Today, this Club is reborn - and we look forward with determination to the work that lies ahead.”
Joint Administrator, Kris Wigfield from Begbies Traynor who have been running the club since Dejphon Chansiri’s departure admitted the takeover had been a ‘challenging’ process and thanked businesses who had lost money as a result of the club going into administration ‘for their sacrifice’.
“This has been one of the most challenging and important processes we have ever undertaken. From day one, our objective was clear - to protect this football club and to secure its future.
“Sheffield Wednesday is not just a business. It is a club with deep roots, history and a community that cares passionately about it. We have felt that responsibility every single day.
“We are proud to have achieved a transaction that not only delivers for creditors but gives the Club a real opportunity to move forward with stability and purpose.
“We need to remember that, as part of this process, people and businesses have lost money that affects their livelihoods. I would like to thank them for their sacrifice, and I hope the payments that this transaction delivers helps them move forward.
“In getting to know David over the course of this transaction, I am assured the Club has gained a custodian befitting its stature and tradition.
“To the supporters, staff and players - thank you. Your resilience and loyalty have carried the Club through this period. You have never wavered.”