Ex-poker player James Bord is preferred Sheffield Wednesday bidder | OneFootball

Former professional poker player James Bord has been chosen as the preferred bidder to take over Sheffield Wednesday, per BBC Sport.  

The Championship outfit were placed into administration in October, with Dejphon Chansiri’s reign finally coming to an end after 10 years. 

The club’s administrators announced on Wednesday that they have reached an agreement with a potential buyer. 

A consortium led by Bord has been identified as the preferred bidder, but it is currently unclear who is part of the former poker player’s consortium. 

The 44-year-old, who won £3.18 million on the poker circuit and currently runs data company Short Circuit Science, has a stake in Spanish Segunda Division side Cordoba CF and Bulgarian club Septemvri. 

He has also owned Scottish club Dunfermline along with partner Evan Sofer for almost a year. 

But given his past involvement in gambling, Bord may face some hurdles to pass the EFL’s Owners and Directors’ test to buy Wednesday.

Henrik Pedersen’s side are almost certain to be relegated to League One after suffering two points deductions since entering administration. 

They are currently at the bottom of the Championship table with an incredible 30 points away from safety. 

Wednesday are also under several transfer embargoes imposed during Chansiri’s reign due to late payments. 

Despite the club’s poor state, numerous groups have expressed interest in taking over. 

Former Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley is among the bidders for Wednesday, while American former aviation CEO David Storch is also keen to buy the club.