What Dejphon Chansiri said about reducing Sheffield Wednesday ticket prices

Sheffield Wednesday owner, Dejphon Chansiri, says that he is ‘open’ to reducing ticket prices.
Sheffield Wednesday may have decisions to make on their ticket prices next season. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)Sheffield Wednesday may have decisions to make on their ticket prices next season. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Sheffield Wednesday may have decisions to make on their ticket prices next season. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

The cost of going to Hillsborough has been something that has had tongues wagging for some time, and now – with the Owls fighting for Championship survival and against the threat of relegation – it comes as no surprise to see it being brought to the forefront again.

With ongoing season ticket refund issues that stretch back to last season that have been brought about by the number of refunds requested, lack of staff and a new ticketing system, there are plenty of questions being asked with regards to how things are going to work going forward.

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The topic was one of several broached in the most recent Supporters Engagement Panel hosted by the Owls, and Chansiri admits that he’d be willing to drop prices as long as it’s in the best interests of the club as a whole.

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According to the minutes from the latest engagement panel meeting, here is what was discussed when the topic of ticket prices was brought up.

They explained, “DC said he is open to reducing prices but the club must be sustainable, the owner cannot continually make up shortfalls. He said no problem to raise the questions but invited the panel to offer solutions/alternatives in addition to simply reducing prices. DC is happy for the club to break even, not concerned with profit, but he must protect the club.

“Further debate was held on ticketing and DC explained the current situation is challenging because of the impact of COVID-19 and the team’s position, and said he has overall responsibility for the club and wants the fans and club to be together.

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“DC appreciates the support of all fans and acknowledges that fans will want cheaper tickets

and/or rebates if in League One but added if we were promoted would the same principle apply, he said of course not and he would never ask that but it should be fair for both sides.

“DC stressed everyone at the club is working as hard as possible to generate revenue across all areas in the current situation and we are open to all tangible suggestions. He said he is aware that some fans want him to leave but repeated that he is doing the best he can for SWFC and helping the club survive in the most trying of circumstances.

“The panel agreed there are two sides to consider and aim to work together and build a shared approach. The panel voiced concerns that 55% of supporters requested refunds from 19/20, that is not a minority, they are genuinely concerned relationships have been damaged and one way for fans to communicate their message is to ask for a refund. Some will genuinely need that money because of the impact of the pandemic.

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“The panel said we all have to think about how we have got to this position and how to avoid it in the future and sustainability is crucial. The panel said they realise no one can demand reduced prices and not recognise the impact on the club.

“They can help on how to begin to build the shared understanding about what the fans think is realistic in terms of what they can contribute and what DC can contribute as no one can demand DC must spend his money on the club.

“The panel said we all need to look how we can increase revenue by increasing attendances rather than just increasing prices, conversations would be helpful over what the panel can help with in working together to connect fans and the club over realistic expectations to build a sustainable future.

“DC said he is happy to follow suggestions if the books can be balanced but there are no guarantees in football. If any proposals protect the fans and the club, DC happy to accept.”

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Meanwhile, it was also revealed in the minutes that Chansiri brought manager, Darren Moore, onto the Zoom call at the request of the rest of the panel – who wished to welcome him to the club following his appointment last month.

The minutes read, “Without the chance of welcoming DM to SWFC in person given the pandemic, it would be nice to do so virtually. DC agreed and called DM, who then logged into the meeting and said he would gladly attend in the future. The panel welcomed DM to the club and wished him every success.

“DM said his focus is completely on the performance of the team and to maximise the remainder of the season. DM said he had no hesitation to take up this opportunity at SWFC and is fully engaged in trying to get the club where it wants to be.”

As things stand, Wednesday are still in with a chance of surviving the drop as they try and pull off what would be one of the greatest great escapes in Championship history, with the win over Blackburn Rovers keeping the hope alive for them.

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Whether the Owls go down or not, however, there will have to be conversations about ticket pricing as things go forward, with the topic certainly one that the members of the panel are looking to press on with in the future.

For now though, the focus is on on-the-field matters, with Wednesday having three games to save their skin – starting with this weekend’s trip to face Neil Warnock’s Middlesbrough.

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