Exclusive: Chris Waddle makes Sheffield Wednesday takeover claim | OneFootball

Owls legend Chris Waddle believes club has been "going backwards" since playoff failures under current ownership

Sheffield Wednesday begin the summer in a strangely familiar position: a promising manager in place, a squad that showed resilience, and yet a deep sense of uncertainty surrounding the club’s future.

With multiple consortiums reportedly exploring a takeover and frustration among supporters at a high, the question facing Wednesday is no longer just about recruitment - it’s about direction.

Danny Röhl has guided the team to Championship stability, a notable achievement given the turbulent beginning of his tenure in October 2023, but off-field issues have once again taken centre stage.

Delays in paying players and staff, unpaid tax bills, and a breakdown in trust between supporters and Chairman Dejphon Chansiri have overshadowed progress on the pitch.

According to The Sheffield Star, at least three separate parties have expressed interest in acquiring the club, raising the possibility of a long-awaited change at the top.

Chris Waddle believes Sheffield Wednesday need takeover after Chansiri's "failed” two-year plan

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Football League World, club legend Chris Waddle was asked what a successful summer would look like for the Owls, delivering a stark assessment of Wednesday's current situation and the critical need for new ownership to move the club forward.

“Yeah, listen, Chansiri had two great years. Took them to Wembley, lost, took them to the semi-final in the playoffs, lost. And after that, there was no plan B and there was no money and structure basically to take the club on again and again.” Waddle told FLW.

“And I think he failed a two year plan and ever since that two years, Sheffield Wednesday has basically been going backwards, and yes - they did come up in the playoffs and they did well this season to finish where they are.

“But when you actually look at it, unless you get these 10 players in, then they could be in a relegation fight and they’re nowhere near going to the Premier League with what they've got at the minute and that is why a takeover is the next level for Sheffield Wednesday.

“And let's be perfectly honest, the last big club who's available for a takeover is Sheffield Wednesday.”

Since taking over in 2015, Chansiri has overseen moments of promise - near-promotion, a drop to League One, and a hard-earned return - but the bigger picture has been one of drift and growing disconnection.

The next few weeks for Wednesday feel quietly crucial. For all the talk of transfers, it's the uncertainty off the pitch that still defines the mood at Hillsborough.

A reset is needed - not just in personnel, but in purpose. The Championship doesn’t offer much space for standing still.

This summer isn’t just about who comes in or moves on. It’s about whether Sheffield Wednesday can start to rebuild something stable and sustainable - something supporters can feel part of again.