Sheffield Wednesday's David Storch takeover: Administrators take fresh Hillsborough action | OneFootball

Sheffield Wednesday are seeking to finalise the Storch takeover offer as quickly as possible

Sheffield Wednesday are hoping that there is now light at the end of the tunnel after going into administration in October.

The Owls have endured a disastrous last 12 months both on and off the pitch as a result of financial mismanagement under previous owner Dejphon Chansiri.

But a new owner has been identified, with David Storch leading a group, Arise Capital, that are looking to buy the club.

The preferred bidder fended off interest from the likes of Mike Ashley in the negotiations with administrators Begbies Traynor, and it is now hoped ratification from the EFL will follow.

Henrik Pedersen’s side have already officially suffered relegation to League One, with the team on minus six points from 39 games.

Sheffield Wednesday were handed a 12 point deduction penalty for going into administration, along with a further six for financial rule breaches.

Sheffield Wednesday’s administrators take Hillsborough action

It has been reported by The Star that Begbies Traynor have taken a proactive approach to exploring the work needed to be done to introduce safe standing at Hillsborough.

It is believed that the administrators have taken this approach in order to avoid any timescale issues for the new owners.

Safe standing may be required as early as next season, and with the takeover not yet finalised, there are doubts as to whether the new owners could implement these changes to the stadium in time.

The North Stand was temporarily closed prior to the beginning of this campaign, although a resolution was found just days before the opening game.

It’s been reported that the club have held talks with Sheffield City Council’s Safety Advisory Group (SAG) as the possibility of introducing safe standing is being revisited.

The club are looking to target areas where supporters already tend to stand during games, with previous plans from 2024 suggesting 5,000 seats at a cost of £250,000.

It is possible that contractors could be booked quite soon, with work potentially set to begin ahead of the new campaign.

The new Sheffield Wednesday owners will likely have to invest in the club’s infrastructure, as well as the first team squad, which will include Hillsborough due to years of under-development.

It is hoped that ratification of the Storch bid could be given in time for the opening of the summer transfer window, although no official timeline has been given for a decision.

Next up for the Owls is a trip to face Stoke City on 3 April in a 3pm kick-off.

Hillsborough will need investment under new owners

Sheffield Wednesday’s new owners will have their work cut out for them when their takeover is finally finalised.

Investing in the squad is a given due to how uncompetitive it has become in the last 12 months, but they will also have to pour money into infrastructure as well.

The introduction of safe standing would be a good start for improving the standard at Hillsborough, which is a ground that’s suffered from a lack of investment under Chansiri.

Safe standing has proven a success elsewhere in English football since its reintroduction to the game, and this will be a positive step forward for the Owls if they can get it done this year.