Exclusive: Sky pundit reacts to big Sheffield Wednesday takeover development - 'over the moon' | OneFootball

Ten interested parties have provided proof of funds as the hunt for a new owner continues

Ten parties have provided the necessary proof of funds to continue the pursuit of buying Sheffield Wednesday.

That’s according to a report from BBC Radio Sheffield, who have revealed details of the ongoing process.

It follows the Owls being placed in administration, as tax bills and unpaid wages under previous owner, Dejphon Chansiri, sent the club into a downward financial spiral.

We asked Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie for his take on the latest update, and how promising he believes this step is for Wednesday.

Ten serious parties is a good sign for Sheffield Wednesday

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Hendrie said: “Yeah, it's brilliant.

“I think the sooner this is all done and dusted for Sheffield Wednesday, I think everyone that's involved will be over the moon, you know, it's exciting times for them.

“I think they just want to have some good news for a change. It's been a really tough start to the season for them.

“And credit to their fans. They’re turning out in their numbers, you know, supporting the football club.

“So yeah, I mean, the sooner they've got someone that's dotted the I’s and crossed the T's, I think that'll be outstanding for them and exciting times for all Owls fans and all involved at Sheffield Wednesday.”

Sheffield Wednesday fan involvement could be crucial

Towards the bitter end of Chansiri’s reign, Hillsborough Stadium was a ghost town, as fans valiantly voted with their feet in protest of the controversial figure.

Once administrators took the club out of the hands of the Thai businessman, however, those supporters changed tack immediately.

They raced into the club shop, spending upwards of £500,000 on tickets and in the club shop, in an effort to keep the club above water while new owners are found.

Not only is that a vital lifeline for the club in a financial sense, but it will also come as a huge motivating factor for any of those ten interested parties, as proof of the passion that still runs through the club, and an insight into what could be achieved with the right boardroom guidance.

The next steps for Sheffield Wednesday in finding new owners

With ten potential investors proving they have the necessary funds for the task, and aren’t just chancers, proverbially kicking the tyres of the club, it seems promising that at least one will see the process through.

At least two of those potential buyers have been shown around the club, according to the BBC.

A “soft deadline” of 21 November has been set for offers to be sent in to the club, before a two-week negotiating period begins.

By 5 December, it’s hoped that the administrators will be in a position to hand preferred bidder status to one of those potential buyers, at which point the granular details can be ironed out, ahead of the official handover.

That will only be the first step in a long road ahead, with a transfer embargo and likely relegation to manage, following a 12-point deduction, but for the first time in years, it will be a move in the right direction for the Owls.