David Storch drops exciting message to Sheffield Wednesday fans ahead of Bradford | OneFootball

The Owls' second home league match of the American's ownership comes on Thursday night

Sheffield Wednesday chairman, David Storch, has issued an exciting message to supporters ahead of Thursday night's League One clash against Bradford City at Hillsborough.

The American will be taking in just a second league match of his ownership in S6 against the Bantams, with the Owls undergoing a major summer rebuild after his takeover, through Arise Capital Partners LLC - was completed back on May 1st.

Less than 24 hours after Storch's acquisition of the Steel City club, Wednesday ensured they ended the most dire of Championship seasons on a 'positive' points total by defeating West Bromwich Albion 2-1, and Henrik Pedersen's team have also made an ideal start to the new season.

Wednesday marked their return to competitive action by beating last season's League One play-off winners, Bolton Wanderers, in the EFL Cup first round before the opening day of the league campaign saw them defeat Leyton Orient 2-1 in East London.

However, their first league match at Hillsborough in three months is likely to be one of the showdowns of the season in the third tier, with over 30,000 seats sold from both sets of supporters for this one-time Premier League clash.

David Storch issues exciting Sheffield Wednesday message ahead of Bradford City clash

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Storch has had plenty of on and off-pitch developments to work on since completing his highly-anticipated takeover, with as many as 13 new signings moving to this part of South Yorkshire, with the standout of those being Barry Bannan's return from Millwall.

However, whilst boyhood Wednesday fan, Jamie Vardy, continues to be linked with a move of his own, amongst others, the 73-year-old took the time to issue supporters an exciting message on the club's official X account in advance of Thursday night's clash with Bradford.

"It's great to be back in Sheffield and sitting here at Hillsborough," said Storch.

"This has been an incredible journey that we've begun. We're 108 days into this journey. It's a long journey and it's an exciting journey.

"What we've achieved so far, to-date, is nothing short of miraculous. I'm very impressed with the team and what they've achieved," he added.

"I hope you, the fans, feel the same way. Because, you are the key here. We're doing this for you. You are the folks that drive this club and you're the inspiration behind the success of this club.

"I'm very excited for the future. I'm very excited for the season," Storch stated. "I can't wait for tomorrow's game, and I can't wait to welcome you back to Hillsborough. It's been an incredible 108 days.

"Thank you so much for your support. I really appreciate what you mean to us and the club, and we need you."

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Under Storch, Wednesday fans are finally full of excitement again after years of prior decline and mismanagement under Dejphon Chansiri.

With a large crowd expected in S6, they have been reacting to his message in their droves, with one fan saying: "I have said it before and will say it again. We have a bloody good un here. Very fortunate to find an owner who is bloody brilliant and speaks from the heart. Love him getting a little excited half way through. Special times ahead. Special night Thursday."

Another positive Wednesdayite said: "Can't wait to walk over the south stand bridge tomorrow knowing our club finally has a future. Thank you David and all the team for all you have achieved in such a short space of time. For just saving our beloved club. No words can ever express my gratitude."

"This time last year I didn’t think we would even have a club to support. Bought my first season tickets for my dad and I. In 8 years. Can’t wait for tonight. Can’t thank you enough. Never wanted to hug a man so much in my life," wrote another emotional Owls fan.

"Vardy’s birthday (11.1.87).. storch sat infront of seat 111? Coincidence?," said one eagle-eyed supporter given the forward's links to his hometown club.

Sheffield Wednesday could lay a marker down versus Bradford City

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Thursday night's match is set to be one full of excitement with Yorkshire bragging rights also at stake, but it is also an opportunity for Pedersen's side to showcase how much positive work has been done in such a short period.

Bradford, of course, are another side on the up after years of stagnation, having ended their first League One campaign since 2019 in the play-offs last term, before losing in the semi-finals to Bolton.

Both sides are expected to challenge towards the top end of the table this term as well, and after they enjoyed winning starts against Orient and Peterborough United respectively, an early-season marker could be laid down by the victors.