James Bord's Sheffield Wednesday takeover bid explained: What we know so far | OneFootball

James Bord's offer has been chosen as the preferred bid to buy Sheffield Wednesday

Sheffield Wednesday are awaiting ratification of James Bord’s proposal to buy the club.

The Owls have been in administration since late October following significant financial issues under previous owner Dejphon Chansiri.

Supporters are hoping that a change in ownership can restore the Yorkshire outfit to a stable position after an incredibly turbulent last couple of years, particularly in 2025.

A number of parties were linked with an offer to buy the Championship side in the weeks following their move into administration, with Begbies Traynor brought in to oversee the bidding process, and it was the proposal led by the former poker player that was chosen.

Here we look at everything we know so far about preferred bidder Bord's offer to buy Sheffield Wednesday…

James Bord’s investment partners

Bord was named as the preferred bidder by the Owls’ administrators on 24 December, exactly two months after the club went into administration.

The club had interest from the likes of Mike Ashley and John McEvoy in the weeks leading up to this moment, but Bord’s offer proved the most financially viable.

The American has experience working in football through his co-ownership of Scottish side Dunfermline.

His business, Short Circuit Science, has also invested into football through Spanish team Cordoba.

But Bord is not alone in his attempts to buy the Yorkshire outfit, as he continues to seek investors to help his plans in football.

Partners Alsharif Faisal Bin Jamil and Felix Roemer have been named as members of the preferred bid to buy the club.

Roemer is an investor in Short Circuit Science, while Bin Jamil is a member of the Jordanian royal family.

Neil Lennon currently works with Bord as the manager of Dunfermline, having been appointed to lead the first team squad just a couple of months after the ex-poker player bought the Scottish side.

The former Celtic boss has praised his impact on the Championship side, suggesting he has taken the team forward over the last 12 months.

"He's pleased with the progress we're making," said Lennon, via the Dunfermline Press.

"He knows that we're a work in progress and it's a transitional period.

“He's only been in the club a year, but you can see there has been significant improvement.

"He does want to help improve the squad, we're going to look at all aspects of that through January.

"I've got a great owner, that's half the battle when you're a manager, I've got a really positive, generous owner who loves the club.

“He's a forward thinker and I like working with him.

“As a manager, as a coach, they're hard to find."

James Bord’s additional financial commitment

Begbies Traynor confirmed earlier this month that Bord has made further financial commitments to the club as ratification is awaited.

It has been reported by The Star that a non-refundable deposit has been made by the preferred bidders as part of the takeover process.

The administrators have also reiterated that the people behind this offer have been vetted thoroughly.

However, it was previously claimed that Bord does face some hurdles in passing the EFL’s owners and directors’ test due to his background in professional gambling.

Sheffield Wednesday’s January transfer boost

Sheffield Wednesday are awaiting the completion of the takeover process, while other clubs complete deals in the January transfer market.

Supporters will be concerned about potential player sales at Hillsborough due to this financial instability.

But it has been claimed by The Star that the Championship side will not need to cash in on players at cut rate prices due to Bord’s offer to buy the team.

The club will reportedly be able to command reasonable fees for the likes of Pierce Charles or Charlie McNeill this month, as the money earned could go against the fee agreed to purchase the side.