Exclusive: Sheffield Wednesday takeover plea made by Don Goodman - "I hope for their sake" | OneFootball

Don Goodman has told FLW his verdict on the latest developments behind the scenes at Sheffield Wednesday

Don Goodman believes that Sheffield Wednesday players won’t stage a walkout on the club as long as they are paid on time.

It was reported during the weekend by Alan Nixon that the Owls’ squad have been issued assurances about a change in ownership in a bid to prevent a strike.

Supporters staged a protest against owner Dejphon Chansiri during Sunday’s clash with Leicester City.

The Thai businessman has overseen significant financial issues at Hillsborough, which has included players not receiving their pay on time on multiple occasions in recent months, which has led to some players terminating their contracts.

Don Goodman hopes for Sheffield Wednesday takeover

Goodman has claimed that the late payment of wages is a massive issue and must stop in order to prevent a walkout.

He hopes that talk of an imminent takeover are true for the sake of everyone involved at the club, although he believes the source of the information for players on any progress with a change in ownership will be key to them listening.

“I think the biggest thing for the players is as long as they get paid on time, there really is no reason for them to walk out, what remains of the squad,” Goodman exclusively told Football League World.

“But being paid late has been a massive, massive issue.

“I guess it depends on where the information is coming from that a takeover is imminent.

“Is it from Chansiri himself? Is it from new interested parties? Because it makes a difference on where that information is coming from — how much of it you believe.

“But I hope for their sake everybody connected to Sheffield Wednesday, the fans, the players, the staff, I hope that that’s true.”

Sheffield Wednesday lost their opening game of the season on Sunday, with the Foxes claiming a 2-1 comeback victory over Henrik Pedersen’s side.

Sheffield Wednesday need takeover progress quickly

It was reported earlier this week that John Textor is teaming up with football financier Keith Harris with a plan to try and purchase Sheffield Wednesday.

So there are signs that a takeover could take place in the near future, with interested parties moving forward with a clear intent.

However, the Owls need this saga to conclude quickly at this point because Chansiri is really risking the long-term health of the club with how everything has been handled in recent months.

If further payments are not made on time, then there is a real chance that a walkout could be staged in the future.