Prospective new Sheffield Wednesday owner sends light-hearted message to fans

Prospective new Sheffield Wednesday owner, David Storch, has provided fans with a light-hearted indication of his commitment towards buying the club.

The American businessman, alongside his son Michael, and associate Tom Costin, is aiming to complete a takeover by May 1. Known as Arise Capital Partners, they were named as the preferred bidder in March and have been working towards buying the club out of administration.

Arise face a number of hurdles, including a possible 15-point deduction in League One next season, building a new squad and making much-needed improvements to Hillsborough. So far their plans and communication have proved popular with supporters and club staff, with Storch attending the game against Watford in March and meeting with Wednesday employees earlier this month.

Last week he released a lengthy a statement about the challenges Arise face - mainly the points deduction - but reiterated his desire to buy the club because it was ‘worth saving.’ He also gave the same assurances in discussions with the Sheffield Wednesday Supporters’ Trust.

Since being named the preferred bidder, Storch has set-up a social media account on X and has posted updates on the takeover process and replied to fans on the platform. On Monday he uploaded a message which again suggests he has caught the ‘Wednesday bug’, posting a picture of an Owl statue with the caption: “Newest addition to our family in Chicago.”

Although only light-hearted, it is perhaps another indication of his determination to get a deal to buy the club over the line. Fans certainly seemed to have enjoyed it, with dozens responding in positive fashion, including posting pictures of their own Owl statues.

One fan posted: “He’s got the #SWFC bug already, and I love it. “

Another wrote: “You absolute tease. Welcome to club !!!

And another added: “Is that a done deal.”