Sheffield Wednesday backed to land new CEO - 'it’s a shame for Sunderland' | OneFootball

Sheffield Wednesday have been linked with the appointment of David Bruce as their new CEO

Sheffield Wednesday are nearing the 1 May timeframe for when David Storch’s takeover could be completed.

The American is leading a group, Arise Capital, that are seeking to buy the Championship club months after they went into administration.

The Owls have endured a difficult campaign, with the team suffering relegation to League One in late February.

Henrik Pedersen’s side have won just once all season, with the team also receiving 18 points worth of deduction penalties from the EFL.

However, there is light at the end of the tunnel with Storch closing in on a deal to complete his takeover of the Yorkshire outfit.

It has been reported that appointments are already being lined up for key executive roles, including Sunderland’s current Chief Business Officer David Bruce as the next CEO.

David Bruce appointment could be a real coup for Sheffield Wednesday

Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness has claimed that Bruce has the potential to be a very positive appointment for Sheffield Wednesday, and that it will be a very appealing move for him even with the drop down into League One.

He believes the ambition to turn around the club will be quite alluring for the Sunderland chief, although he’s warned that he has to get things right straight away if the club are going to be able to grow.

“I haven’t met David, but I’ve had a good look at what he’s done at Sunderland, and he’s certainly done some solid stuff,” said Wyness, via Football Insider.

“What would attract him to Sheffield Wednesday is obviously the comeback story that could be made there.

“He knows there is the raw material in terms of the fan base. In a funny way, it’s similar to Sunderland in the sense that they’ve had the shadow of another club, and they’ve had to dig deeper into their own fan base and create more deals, and they’ve done that successfully.

“Sheffield Wednesday is going to be an amazing story if somebody gets it right.

“He’s there for the longer term to lay good foundations, which he seems to be very capable of doing.

“But it isn’t just going to be like you’ve got three or four years to get this right.

“From day one, David’s going to have to get them right and put the foundations in place that can grow.”

Wyness has suggested that Bruce could be a very exciting addition under Storch, and he’s given it his seal of approval.

“He’s certainly capable, he’s young enough to have the energy and the ability to do it,” he added.

“He’s well thought of within the game, and so he’s got every chance.

“For Sheffield Wednesday, that’s a good signing, and it’s a shame for Sunderland that they’re losing him.

“So overall, it’s a thumbs up from me, and I wish him the best of luck in what he’s going to do.”

Bruce took his CBO role at Sunderland in May 2024 following their 16th place finish in the Championship.

The Black Cats earned promotion to the Premier League in 2025, and have now established themselves back at that level by surviving relegation with several games to spare.

However, he is set to depart at the end of the campaign, opening the door for his potential appointment at Sheffield Wednesday.

Former Hearts chief Joe Savage is also being linked with a role behind the scenes at Hillsborough, provided Storch’s takeover goes through.

It’s been claimed that he could become the club’s next sporting director, having previously spent time as chief scout at Preston North End and Norwich City.

Sheffield Wednesday have just two Championship fixtures remaining, with the clash on 2 May against West Brom at home pencilled in as a potential first game under the new owners.

But first Pedersen’s side must face Oxford United on Saturday in a 3pm kick-off at the Kassam Stadium.

David Storch is making strong moves ahead of Sheffield Wednesday takeover

It’s a very positive sign for Storch’s takeover that important roles behind the scenes are potentially already being lined up.

Having a new CEO in place for day one will be important to getting a strong start, and Bruce could be a very positive addition at Hillsborough.

He’s gained a lot of experience at Sunderland in helping them grow as a commercial entity, and he’s seen up close how to run a Premier League side.

It’s far from guaranteed that he’ll be a success at Sheffield Wednesday, but it’s a positive start for Storch as a potential owner of the club to have these moves lined up ahead of his takeover.