Sheffield Wednesday set to confirm big off-field appointment in David Storch boost | OneFootball

Simon Wilson is set to join Sheffield Wednesday as sporting director in what is a big appointment for the Owls' new owners.

Sheffield Wednesday are expected to be very busy this summer as the club look forward to their first season under their new owners.

The past few years have been extremely difficult for the Owls, with Dejphon Chansiri’s mismanagement leaving them on the brink.

Two points deductions, combined with a squad that was not fit for purpose, meant relegation from the Championship was inevitable, but Wednesday fans stuck by the club in the hope that better days were coming.

Pleasingly for the Yorkshire outfit, it was confirmed that Arise Capital Partners, led by the Storch family, had completed their takeover, with Wednesday also avoiding a points deduction going into the 2026/27 campaign.

Simon Wilson ready to start work at Sheffield Wednesday

So, there is a lot of positivity around Hillsborough right now, although it’s clear that the new hierarchy have a lot to do in order to make Sheffield Wednesday competitive in League One.

Henrik Pedersen is set to remain in charge of the Owls, but building a solid structure above him was always going to be a priority.

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It’s no secret that Wednesday were looking to bring in a sporting director, and there has been a development on that front, as journalist Joe Crann has revealed that Simon Wilson is now poised to be appointed.

The former Stockport man had been linked with Wednesday last month, but the latest update confirms that he has been at Hillsborough this week, with an announcement described as ‘imminent’.

Wilson has a strong background in football, having worked for the City Football Group and Sunderland before he joined Stockport in 2020, and he played a key role in their rise from non-league to League One.

Sadly for the Hatters, they failed to take that next step to the Championship, with Dave Challinor’s side losing 4-1 to Bolton at Wembley in the play-off final, which also happened to be the last game for the boss.

Simon Wilson will be crucial to Sheffield Wednesday’s long-term plans

This is a significant appointment for Wednesday, and there’s a lot to like about the appointment of Wilson.

Firstly, he has good experience within the game, and, crucially, he knows a lot about League One, as he joins from Stockport, so he will be aware of what the Owls need to be competitive at this level.

Over the years, Stockport had a very good record in the market, and they were sensible in their recruitment in that they often brought in young, talented players who could develop, as well as signing experienced figures to help the team straight away.

The challenge for Wilson is to replicate that at Wednesday, but he will also recognise that he is joining a club that is effectively starting from scratch when you consider what he is inheriting.

So, it’s a massive job, but the resources of the new owners, and the history and pull of the club mean it’s a great chance for Wilson to make his mark, and there’s no doubt they will have a plan in place for where they want Wednesday to be in five and ten years time.

Of course, there will be bumps in the road, but this is an exciting appointment for Sheffield Wednesday