Sheffield Wednesday legend offered new club role by David Storch | OneFootball

It's something Dejphon Chansiri ended at Hillsborough

Sheffield Wednesday's transformation under new ownership is gathering pace.

After years of decline, financial turmoil and a growing disconnect between the club and its supporters, the Owls are attempting to rebuild from the ground up following David Storch's takeover through Arise Capital Partners.

Significant changes have already been made behind the scenes. Former Sunderland executive David Bruce has been appointed as CEO, while ex-Stockport County figure Simon Wilson is expected to be confirmed as the club's new sporting director in the coming days.

But the rebuild is not solely focused on recruitment, infrastructure and football operations. There is also a clear desire to reconnect Wednesday with figures who helped shape the club's history.

Sheffield Wednesday legend David Hirst offered ambassador role by David Storch

As part of that wider overhaul, one Owls legend has revealed he has been approached to take on a newly-created role at Hillsborough.

Speaking to BBC Radio Sheffield, David Hirst also opened up about his improving relationship with Wednesday.

“At the moment, the best it’s been in 10 years, you could say the previous owner and myself didn’t really get along well, made a bit of a hash of the football club and I think everyone would agree with that,” Hirst told Xanthe Palmer.

“Now, having met the new owners Tom and David, coming in and listening to what they’ve got planned for Sheffield Wednesday and how things are going to turn around, without promising massive improvements they’re going to improve the club.

“I’ve seen some of those improvements already in and around the stadium - whether that be in the stadium or the offices, people have got a bit more of a smile on their face. I’m looking forward to the new season and I’m sure everyone else at Sheffield Wednesday [is].

“I’ve just seen they’ve broken the season tickets sales record yesterday of over 20,000 season ticket sales which pretty much says there’s going to be a packed house every home game,

“So that will be great for the players after any recruitment is done and for Sheffield Wednesday fans to hopefully they’ll be able to walk around the town with a smile on their faces for a change.”

When asked if the former Owls striker - who bagged 109 times in an iconic early 90s spell at Hillsborough - was to play any part in those celebrations, he had some news to share:

“Well I don’t know if they’ve announced this, but the new CEO David Bruce has invited me to become ambassador for Sheffield Wednesday,” Hirst revealed.

“I know for a fact they’re going to bring old players back into the set up on matchdays - when I say old, I mean ex-players not necessarily old cos one or two of us are looking that way

“But yeah, things are looking great and I’m happy to be on board, to be in and around the games again. I’d probably been to two or three home games in the last nine years or so, so now I’m welcome back, I’m looking forward to a new season that hopefully brings smiles to peoples faces. I’m looking forward to it.”

David Hirst return would represent more than a symbolic gesture for Sheffield Wednesday

Hirst's comments reveal much about the direction of travel at Wednesday.

Among the many criticisms of Dejphon Chansiri's ownership was a growing sense that the club had become detached from key parts of its own identity.

Relationships with supporters became fractured, communication was often limited and many former players who had helped shape Wednesday's history appeared increasingly distant from Hillsborough.

The prospect of Hirst returning in an ambassadorial role suggests a conscious effort to address that.

Few figures occupy a more prominent place in Wednesday's modern history. His goals helped define one of the club's most successful eras and his presence around Hillsborough would provide a tangible link between a proud past and a future that is now being rebuilt under new ownership.

More broadly, it’s consistent with the messages that have emerged from David Storch and chief executive David Bruce since the takeover was completed. Their early focus has centred not only on stabilising the club operationally, but on restoring trust and rebuilding connections across the wider Wednesday community.

That approach is already resonating. Record-breaking season ticket sales point to a fanbase willing to embrace a fresh start, while visible improvements behind the scenes have contributed to a renewed sense of optimism after years of uncertainty.

None of this guarantees success. Wednesday remain at the beginning of what is likely to be a lengthy rebuilding process, and the ultimate judgement on the new regime will be shaped by decisions made on the pitch as much as those made off it.

If Hirst's return proves to be part of a wider effort to reconnect Sheffield Wednesday with those foundations, though, it may be an important marker in the club's recovery from one of the most turbulent periods in its history.