Sheffield Wednesday dodged serious James Bord takeover bullet based on post-West Brom incident | OneFootball

Sheffield Wednesday have David Storch at the helm but may have dodged a serious James Bord takeover bullet after the West Bromwich Albion game...

There has been a sense that Sheffield Wednesday simply needed a clean break from Dejphon Chansiri for some time, regardless of who came next. However, David Storch ended up swooping in after James Bord's failed bid.

Years of uncertainty, missteps, and a widening disconnect with supporters had left the club treading water. The overriding priority was stability and a reset in terms of direction at Sheffield Wednesday. That has now arrived with David Storch and his Arise consortium.

Early signs are already positive that they appear to be offering a more grounded and considered approach, plus a real connection with supporters. Indications suggest that they understand the immediate wants and needs of the club's supporters and a structure built on long-term planning rather than noise.

In contrast, alternative proposals now look far less convincing with the benefit of hindsight. The idea of a big-money takeover can be enticing, particularly for a club desperate to climb again, but the right people have to be at the wheel to do that.

David Storch's takeover is a relief after James Bord and Felix Roemer antics

Ownership is not just about financial muscle, as it is about alignment with the fanbase and a respect for the club’s identity. For example, former Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley was keen on a deal in case Bord's takeover collapsed.

When it did, Storch outbid Ashley by a large margin in order to make a deal happen to bring Sheffield Wednesday into a more hopeful era instead. However, many fans would not have enjoyed having Ashley in charge and perhaps similar can be said of James Bord and Felix Roemer's bid, too.

That is why recent scenes at Hillsborough, following Wednesday’s win over West Bromwich Albion, raise serious questions about what might have been. Individuals wearing ‘Gamdom’ branding — linked to a company founded by Felix Roemer — entered the pitch and caused disruption.

As seen above from the post on X, they drew attention for all the wrong reasons. The timing felt pointed, coming so soon after Storch’s takeover was confirmed, and it did not go unnoticed among supporters.

Roemer’s previous involvement in Bord’s attempted consortium, which ultimately fell through, had promised significant financial backing, but moments like this hint at a potential mismatch in values and approach. It smacks of jealousy and did Wednesday fans really want that sort of ownership group immediately after Dejphon Chansiri?

Football clubs, particularly ones with the heritage and scrutiny of Wednesday, require professionalism and an understanding of responsibility. What unfolded instead came across as a publicity stunt. It was one they also celebrated, as can be seen in the above from X.

How David Storch has compared for Sheffield Wednesday so far

It was ill-judged at best and, at worst, disrespectful to the occasion. It was party time for Wednesday fans after avoiding -15, winning their first and only home game, and welcoming in a new era in terms of Storch and Arise.

From Wednesday’s perspective, the last thing the club needs after years of turbulence is further distraction or association with off-field antics. Supporters have craved normality and competence from a leadership group that enhances rather than undermines the club’s reputation.

Storch’s arrival at Sheffield Wednesday, by comparison, has been notably measured. There is little appetite for grandstanding, with the focus already on building something sustainable — on and off the pitch. That contrast is already stark.

In that context, Wednesday’s escape from the Bord-led proposal looks increasingly significant. What once may have seemed like a missed opportunity could, in reality, prove to be a fortunate bullet dodged for Storch and co. instead.