David Storch drops Sheffield Wednesday message as ‘new era’ begins | OneFootball

The new Owls chairman was full of praise after their 1-0 win over Bolton

David Storch has described Sheffield Wednesday’s 1-0 Carabao Cup victory over Bolton Wanderers as “a great start to a new era” after the Owls began their first campaign under new ownership with a win at Hillsborough.

Storch, whose Arise Capital Partners consortium completed its takeover of Wednesday in May, posted his reaction on social media after Jamal Lowe’s second-half goal secured victory over the Championship side.

The result was Wednesday’s first competitive match since a difficult 2025-26 season ended in relegation to League One, and came after a summer of extensive change at Hillsborough and Middlewood Road.

David Storch sends Sheffield Wednesday message after Bolton win

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“A great start to a new era!” Storch wrote. “Big hearty congrats to the lads…came out energized and ready to go! Love it!!

“Making progress… standing tall! Go @swfc.”

The message comes as the new ownership seeks to establish a different direction at a club which spent much of last season in financial and sporting turmoil.

Wednesday entered administration last October and were subsequently relegated after a points deduction, before Arise Capital Partners completed its takeover in May and agreed a deal which removed the threat of a further points penalty ahead of the new League One campaign.

There have also been visible changes around the club during the summer. Wednesday have reverted to a modernised version of their traditional owl badge, while work has been carried out at Hillsborough and the Middlewood Road training ground.

The playing squad has undergone significant alteration, too, with a number of new arrivals handed their competitive debuts against Bolton.

Sheffield Wednesday’s Bolton Wanderers win offered an early indication of progress

The 1-0 victory should not, however, be treated as evidence that the Owls' problems have been solved.

Pedersen fielded a side containing seven summer arrivals, alongside returning figures such as Bannan, meaning there was always likely to be an element of unfamiliarity.

What was encouraging was the way Wednesday developed during the game.

Bolton, now back in the Championship, had the stronger periods early on, but Wednesday became more effective as the match progressed. After Simons’ dismissal, Pedersen was able to introduce Lowe and Louie Barry and make use of a deeper squad than he had available for much of last season.

That is one of the clearest differences between the current Wednesday and the team which struggled last term.

The new recruitment has given Pedersen greater scope to change games from the bench, while competition for places should increase as players become more familiar with his demands.

There were also signs of the playing identity Pedersen is trying to establish. The Dane has spoken repeatedly about wanting an aggressive, high-intensity team, with his pre-season work centred on pressing, running and transitions.

The Bolton match was only the first competitive test of that approach, and there will be considerably greater demands once the League One campaign begins.

But the combination of a new squad, greater depth and a more stable environment represents a significant change from the circumstances the Owls faced last season.

Sheffield Wednesday fans react to new era under David Storch

Supporters responded positively to the result and Storch’s message on social media.

One described it as “a cracking start”, adding that confidence would be important as the players continue to build an understanding.

Some also pointed to the performances of some of the new signings, while others noted that Wednesday remain unbeaten since Storch’s ownership began.

The opening victory was described as a “brilliant start”, while another emphasised the importance of winning matches regardless of the competition.

The focus now switches to the League One campaign. Pedersen’s side travel to Leyton Orient next weekend for their first league fixture of the new season, where the extent of the progress made during the summer will begin to be tested more seriously.