Classy Sheffield United message sent after big Sheffield Wednesday news - "It's shocking what's been happening" | OneFootball

FLW's Sheffield United fan pundit has given his verdict on the situation at Sheffield Wednesday

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Sheffield United’s bitter rivals Sheffield Wednesday have endured a very difficult 2025 both on and off the pitch.

While it hasn’t been perfect for the Blades, who missed out on promotion last season with a play-off final loss, the financial issues at Hillsborough have been far worse.

Supporters have protested the ownership of Dejphon Chansiri, urging him to sell his stake in the Yorkshire outfit, but he has instead let things drag out to the point where they’ve gone into administration.

Wages have gone unpaid on time on multiple occasions, which has seen key parts of the team depart, leaving a barebones squad and an inexperienced manager at the helm.

It remains unclear what’s next for Sheffield Wednesday, who have had the worse of their rivalry with Sheffield United in recent years.

Sheffield United sympathy for Sheffield Wednesday’s administration

When asked about the situation at Hillsborough, FLW’s Sheffield United fan pundit gave his sympathy to the Blades’ bitter rivals, suggesting that some things are more important than football games.

He believes the game would be worse off if Sheffield Wednesday had gone out of existence, and he is hoping that soon the focus can return to their intense dislike for each other instead.

“It’s shocking what’s been happening at Sheffield Wednesday,” Jimmy told Football League World.

“Even as a Blade, and I’m not the only one that’s felt really sorry for those not paid, and it affects the fanbase as well.

“Football is bigger than rivalries, and it’s an experience that you share with your family and friends.

“There are a lot of split families in Sheffield, some are red, some are blue, so it’s bigger than wanting to see them go out of business. That’s something that a lot of us, certainly speaking for myself, never want to see — Sheffield Wednesday go out of business.

“Because I think the game is richer for the rivalry, to be honest.

“I think whether we admit it or not, we’re a part of each other’s DNA.

“If they’re now going to turn a corner and longer-term, be stronger for this administration experience, then the rivalry, I’m sure, will continue, and we’ll once again enjoy a strong dislike for each other.”

Sheffield’s shared struggles this season

Sheffield Wednesday were handed an automatic 12 point deduction penalty as a result of going into administration, leaving them even further away from safety than they were before.

The Owls are on minus six points, with the gap to 21st place now 16 points after just 12 games played, with relegation now all but certain.

Meanwhile, Sheffield United aren’t faring much better, with Chris Wilder’s side now 22nd in the table, with nine points.

Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday need each other

The Steel City derby goes back all the way to 1890, and has become a massive part of Sheffield in the 135 years since.

Above all else, both sides will always want the other to exist in order to keep that rivalry going, as it adds an extra edge to their respective seasons and the games against each are always a big occasion.

Even when they’re not in the same division, and go years without competing at the same level, both sets of fans will keep a close eye on the other and take joy in their respective ups and downs.

Losing that with the liquidation of Sheffield Wednesday would be a massive blow for both sets of supporters, so everyone will be hoping for a swift and clean resolution to their going into administration.