When David Storch expects Sheffield Wednesday to win promotion to the EFL Championship | OneFootball

The new Owls owner has set his sights on a return to the second tier

Sheffield Wednesday owner David Storch has set a clear timeframe for the club's return to the Championship.

The new Owls owner has admitted that he would be “very disappointed” if promotion had not been achieved by the end of next season.

Storch, who completed his takeover of the club in May after Wednesday had come within days of potentially ceasing to exist, has overseen a major summer rebuild at Hillsborough.

The scale of the task has become increasingly apparent, with the club rebuilding its first-team squad, investing heavily in the stadium and attempting to establish a sustainable structure after years of financial mismanagement.

Speaking to The Athletic, Storch acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge while insisting that his ambitions for Wednesday remain considerable.

David Storch expects Sheffield Wednesday promotion to the Championship in 27/28

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Storch made clear that he does not view promotion to the Championship as an immediate necessity, but has nevertheless put a timeframe on achieving it.

“I’m incredibly optimistic about the future,” Storch said. “I’d be very disappointed if [promotion to the Championship] hasn’t happened by the end of next season.”

The comments represent an ambitious target for Wednesday, who begin the 2026/27 campaign in League One after a disastrous previous season which ultimately ended in relegation.

However, Storch also stressed that he understands the need for patience after inheriting a club in such poor condition.

“I’m not patient by nature, but I do appreciate it’s needed. I can tell you this: I’m in it for the long haul,” he added.

He has made no secret of his ultimate ambition to take Wednesday back to the Premier League, although the immediate focus is on restoring the club's foundations.

That makes an instant return to the Championship desirable rather than essential.

Wednesday's immediate promotion prospects are complicated by the restrictions imposed as part of their agreement with the EFL.

The club can spend only £2 million per season on transfers and loan fees, while Storch is unable to increase the wage budget through owner investment. Wednesday are also restricted to spending 65 per cent of their revenue under the EFL's new salary cost management rules.

Despite those limitations, sporting director Simon Wilson has overseen an extensive rebuild.

Barry Bannan has returned to Hillsborough, while Louie Barry has joined from Aston Villa and eight new players made their debuts in the Carabao Cup victory over Bolton Wanderers.

Wilson warned that the scale of change could make the opening weeks difficult, while stressing that Wednesday must not sacrifice their long-term plans in pursuit of immediate promotion.

How Sheffield Wednesday fans are reacting to new David Storch interview

Storch’s comments have understandably sparked optimism among Wednesday supporters, though there is also a clear awareness of the restrictions still shaping the club’s progress.

One wrote: “Can only read that and be very excited and optimistic about the future of our club. Even if only 50% of it comes off, we will be in an infinitely better place than the last decade of chronic mismanagement.”

Another expressed their gratitude for landing Storch as an owner.

Not all reactions were quite so buoyant, however. One fan struck a more cautious tone, asking Wednesdayites to temper their passions.

Another, meanwhile, highlighted the work done in the transfer market.

The gargantuan task facing Sheffield Wednesday in League One

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Immediate promotion would represent a remarkable achievement given where Wednesday were only months ago.

The club survived administration, avoided a further 15-point penalty and then began rebuilding almost an entire squad under severe financial restrictions.

Wednesdayites have passion in droves, and that support can become a considerable advantage. It can, however, also create expectations that are difficult for a newly rebuilt side to satisfy.

The challenge for Storch and his hierarchy will be to harness that ambition without allowing it to dictate the club's strategy.

The Championship remains the target.