Ryan Howsam back in for Sheffield Wednesday? Local businessman reveals Owls takeover stance | OneFootball

Sheffield Wednesday are seeking bidders for a takeover following the collapse of James Bord's offer

Sheffield Wednesday are stuck in limbo following the decision from James Bord’s consortium to pull out of their deal to buy the club.

The consortium, which included Stanmore-born entrepreneur and poker player Bord, as well as his partners Felix Romer and Alsharif Faisal Bin Jamil, were named as the preferred bidder on December 24 by administrators Begbies Traynor.

The Owls have been in administration since October after Dejphon Chansiri relinquished his control of the club, and have already had their relegation to League One confirmed.

Henrik Pedersen’s side have won just one of their 34 games in the Championship so far this season, with the team on minus seven points due to their 18-points worth of deductions handed to them by the EFL due to financial irregularities and unpaid wages.

The South Yorkshire outfit are seeking a new owner after significant financial mismanagement under Chansiri. However, the Thai businessman is one of the club’s creditors, so still stands to make around £15 million, provided the £30 million reserve price is met, otherwise the team are at risk of starting next season with another 15 points deduction in the third tier.

Ryan Howsam opens up on Sheffield Wednesday takeover stance

Ryan Howsam was previously involved in the bidding process prior to Bord’s consortium being named the preferred bidder, with ex-Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan also involved - an offer however was not submitted in the end.

The Sheffield-born businessman though has suggested that he is considering another attempt to buy Sheffield Wednesday - but on one condition.

The 59-year-old has confirmed that he’s discussed the situation with Jordan again, but that he will need assurances from the administrators that the prospect of a 15-point deduction could be resolved, indicating he will not meet the £30 million reserve price.

“I've had a chat with [Simon Jordan] actually,” Howsam said, via The Star.

“But I think ultimately the reality is that there's no way I will be paying the minimum amount to get the club without a sanction.

“So the only way that I would entertain anything would be on the basis of them coming to the table and saying that there would be no sanctioning at the bid that I would put in.

“That’s just the reality of it.

“Maybe that's something that the administrators can can pick up and speak about.

“Simon is better versed in these things and has spoken about some wiggle room.

“So in that sense, I'm still deliberating where we sit, but if that wasn't a cast iron stance on the sanction, it makes things difficult, for us and for others.”

Jordan has already confirmed that he has no interest in taking over Sheffield Wednesday, but that Howsam could still make an offer.

It’s been reported that there are already three parties showing an interest in a bid for the Championship side, including Mike Ashley.

It remains to be seen what kind of timeframe will be given for upcoming negotiations, although the sooner a new preferred bidder can be found the better.

It’s been claimed that Bord’s offer was worth £48.7 million, and that he lost £4 million with the collapse of his attempt to buy the club.

Sheffield Wednesday are bottom of the second division table, and will want to begin preparations for life in League One as swiftly as possible.

It’s been reported that the Owls are currently losing £1 million per month, which was being covered by Bord’s consortium up until now.

Dejphon Chansiri factor is hurting Sheffield Wednesday takeover

It is clear that there are a lot of reservations about the money owed to Chansiri, who is one of the club’s creditors.

These creditors, which also include HMRC, will be owed 25p on the pound as a result of Sheffield Wednesday’s administration.

Failing to pay these costs will incur a 15-point deduction penalty from the EFL, which is set to be handed out next season, rather than in this campaign.

Starting life in League One on minus 15 points would be a big setback for a new owner, so this £30 million reserve price is proving a real stumbling block in moving forward with a takeover with a number of interested parties.