Sheffield Wednesday news: David Storch meeting, plan to improve Hillsborough, kit change | OneFootball

All the latest news surrounding the Sheffield Wednesday takeover situation

Sheffield Wednesday are awaiting ratification of David Storch’s takeover of the club from the EFL in order to move on completely from the Dejphon Chansiri era.

The Thai businessman oversaw significant financial issues in his final year as owner of the Owls, which led to the Yorkshire outfit going into administration in October 2025.

A group led by Storch, known as Arise Capital, were named as the preferred bidders in March, providing fans with some light at the end of the tunnel.

However, their proposed takeover needs to be ratified by the EFL in order to be finalised, with a decision expected in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, Henrik Pedersen’s side will be looking to end what has been a miserable campaign on some kind of high note, with the team already officially relegated from the Championship.

For now, we take a look at all the latest news surrounding Sheffield Wednesday’s takeover process.

It has been reported by The Star that Storch is set to meet with the Sheffield Wednesday staff informally on Thursday this week.

While nothing is yet complete in terms of the ratification process, the American is set to attend an event at Hillsborough as part of an opportunity to meet staff.

Administrators Begbies Traynor will be overseeing a discussion regarding the progress of the takeover, which staff will no doubt want to remain up to date on.

Staff were reportedly frustrated by the previous preferred bidder, James Bord, for his lack of communication regarding the progress of his takeover, but Storch will be present on Thursday in a stark contrast to their approach to buying the Championship side.

Liam Cooper contract decision

According to reporter Joe Crann from The Wednesday Word, Sheffield Wednesday are keen to tie Liam Cooper down to a new contract for next season.

No decision can yet be made on an extension until the takeover of the club is finalised, but staff reportedly view the ex-Leeds United player as a future coach.

Cooper has featured 14 times in the Championship so far this season, contributing one goal, after arriving as a free agent in November.

The 34-year-old’s current deal expires at the end of the campaign, with the Owls now preparing for life in League One.

David Storch plans Sheffield Wednesday kit change

It has been reported by The Star that Storch is eyeing a change to the club’s crest for next season’s kits.

It is believed that the prospective new owner of the club wants to use the “Retro Owl” crest that is currently being used on the third kit this campaign.

This version has also been used in years gone by, and could now become the new official crest under the new owners, although approval will be needed by the EFL to complete the switch.

There is also a possibility that Sheffield Wednesday could change kit manufacturer from Macron, as the rules around insolvency allow companies to terminate existing contracts, such as the deal that was signed with the supplier in 2021.

Arise Capital outline major Hillsborough revitalisation plans

It has been reported by The Wednesday Word that Storch also has plans in place for the revitalisation of Hillsborough, as he awaits confirmation of his takeover of the club.

Arise Capital are already drawing up plans, which include focusing on safety, nostalgia and non-negotiables.

It’s expected that the stylised Owl will make a return, while it is also hoped that changes to the pricing structure for tickets and kits can be made.

Storch is keen to improve the match-going experience for supporters, with asbestos issues already resolved by the administrators, as he targets improvements to the amount of water and electricity going into Hillsborough.

The new prospective owners are also eyeing investments into the training ground and academy setup, in a bid to avoid the Owls dropping into category 3.