Sheffield Wednesday captain Barry Bannan has issued a rallying cry to the club's supporters, urging them to unite and help the team recover from what he describes as "rock bottom". This comes in the wake of the Owls entering administration on Friday, a move that has triggered an automatic 12-point deduction, leaving them languishing at the bottom of the Championship table, 15 points adrift of safety.
The appointment of administrators from Begbies Traynor, led by lifelong Wednesday fan Kris Wingfield, marks a significant turning point after months of financial turmoil under the ownership of Dejphon Chansiri. The English Football League (EFL) has confirmed the 12-point penalty, but also stated that administration "presents Sheffield Wednesday with the opportunity to move matters towards a successful sale and secure future under new ownership".
Bannan, who has been with the club for almost a decade and is affectionately known as "Mr. Owls", acknowledged the pain and frustration felt by the fans, who have witnessed the club's decline under Chansiri's leadership. Under Chansiri, Wednesday had been placed under various embargoes amid tax debts and after failing to pay players and staff on time on five separate occasions this year, including in September. The skipper said he and his teammates "totally got" why fans had stayed away. He also admitted to being "gutted" upon learning about the administration.
Despite the dire situation, Bannan remains optimistic, emphasizing the strength and passion of the Sheffield Wednesday fan base. "Sometimes you have to reach rock bottom to come back again," Bannan stated. "And if there was ever a club that could do it, it's this club, because the fan base we've got is amazing".
The news of Chansiri's exit has sparked a renewed sense of hope among the supporters, who had staged weekly protests against his ownership. Fans were seen queuing at the Hillsborough ticket office and club shop, eager to show their support by purchasing merchandise and tickets. Seats bearing Chansiri's name in the North Stand were also removed, symbolizing a clear message that the focus is now on securing new ownership and a fresh start.
Manager Henrik Pedersen echoed Bannan's sentiments, expressing his excitement at the prospect of a packed Hillsborough for Saturday's game against Oxford. "I'm 100 per cent convinced Sheffield Wednesday will have a bright future," Pedersen said. "To have a full Hillsborough – wow, it would be amazing. We can all be together again, and support each other. We can make a fantastic experience together".
The Sheffield Wednesday Supporters' Trust described the day as "one of the most bittersweet days" in the club's 158-year history. While acknowledging that administration was the result of years of mismanagement, they expressed joy at Chansiri's departure. "Entering administration was the inevitable outcome of years of financial mismanagement, a lack of accountability and repeated failures to engage credible buyers," the Trust said in a statement. "Administration is not to be celebrated. It needn't have ended this way. But we are overjoyed to have Dejphon Chansiri out of our club for good".
Joint administrator Paul Stanley assured fans that there should be no interruption to the fixture schedule and that they are working closely with the EFL to minimize the impact of the administration on employees, supporters, and players.
As Sheffield Wednesday navigates this challenging period, the call from Barry Bannan serves as a reminder of the vital role the fans will play in the club's resurgence. Their unwavering support and passion will be crucial as the Owls strive to overcome adversity and rebuild for a brighter future. Bannan, who recently celebrated his 35th birthday, continues to be a key figure for the team, inspiring them with his leadership and determination. He has made it clear he wants to finish his career at Hillsborough, showing his commitment to the club.
