Sheffield Wednesday manager Henrik Pedersen has framed the club’s entry into administration as a “fresh restart,” despite the “sad situation” and a crippling 12-point penalty. The Owls were placed into administration by owner Dejphon Chansiri, immediately dropping them to -6 points at the foot of the Championship.
Pedersen, who has dealt with months of financial uncertainty, including unpaid wages for his players, told staff the club “cannot continue” as it has. “Now there is a belief, a hope, there is a feeling of looking towards better days,” he said, adding he sees a “bright future” for the club.
The administration ends the controversial reign of Dejphon Chansiri, which the Supporters Trust described as years of “financial mismanagement.” Fans, who have been boycotting games, expressed relief at his exit, calling it a “bittersweet” day. Seats spelling out his name were quickly removed from the stadium.
The club is now under the control of Begbies Traynor. The administrators are tasked with recouping debts, including $pounds{}$1 million owed to HMRC, by selling the club’s assets. They confirmed the club and the stadium company would be sold together to attract buyers.
The Supporters Trust, which had been working on a “fan-led takeover proposal” as a worst-case scenario, is now urging fans to re-engage. “The club’s most urgent need is stability and income,” the trust stated, calling for supporters to return and help “rebuild from the ground up.”