Kris Wigfield drops 'emotional' Sheffield Wednesday takeover message | OneFootball

Sheffield Wednesday administrator Kris Wigfield has issued a statement to supporters of the Championship club

Sheffield Wednesday administrator Kris Wigfield has addressed Owls fans in a fresh statement.

David Storch's Arise consortium have been named as the South Yorkshire side's preferred bidders, and the American is currently undergoing the EFL's Owners' and Directors' Test ahead of a potential transaction.

Storch will then be subject to the Independent Football Regulator's ownership tests if he doesn't complete his Wednesday takeover by May.

Owls fans were given something to cheer when Jamal Lowe put their side 1-0 up against Hull City on Saturday, but goals from Matt Crooks and Kyle Joseph, either side of Dominic Iorfa's own goal, sealed a 3-1 win for the Tigers at the MKM Stadium.

Kris Wigfield addresses Sheffield Wednesday fans in new statement

Wednesday's aforementioned defeat to Hull marked their 29th defeat in a miserable Championship season, and supporters will be glad that they only have to endure seven more fixtures.

The Hillsborough faithful have long since been more concerned with their club's health off the field, given that they are in administration following Dejphon Chansiri's highly damaging ownership.

Posting on X on Saturday, administrator Wigfield wrote: "This process has been an emotional roller coaster. Five months of highs and lows. Moments of real progress, followed by unexpected setbacks.

"That’s the reality of complex situations: nothing moves in a straight line. Today, things feel positive. Still work to do."

As alluded to by Wigfield, Wednesday's time in administration has been far from straightforward, as former preferred bidder James Bord's takeover deal collapsed.

Thanks to those developments, Owls supporters will remain cautiously optimistic about the prospect of Storch's takeover, but liquidation remains the worst case scenario.

Bury and Macclesfield were both expelled by the EFL following ownership issues in recent seasons, and the South Yorkshire club are desperately vying to avoid that scenario.

David Storch takeover possibility retains positive momentum

Bord's takeover collapsed, but all the signs now suggest that Storch will not endure a similar outcome, and his Owls transaction is getting closer by the week.

The American and his business partner, Tom Costin, attended Wednesday's recent 1-1 draw with Watford at Hillsborough, and have held meetings with influential members of the fanbase.

Following his visit to South Yorkshire, Storch posted on X: "Back in the States now, reflecting on an unbelievable week in Sheffield. On behalf of Michael (Storch), Tom (Costin) and myself, I want to thank the wonderful city of Sheffield, the local members of the community we met, the Supporters’ Trust and the Sheffield Wednesday fans for making us feel so incredibly welcome.

"We are listening to and collaborating with talented Wednesdayites across the city to ensure we deliver a best-in-class fan experience. Whilst we continue to work diligently to become stewards of this unique and historic club, please know that we will be doing everything we can in the interest of a “Better Wednesday” and a brighter future for everyone associated with Sheffield Wednesday."

Meanwhile, as revealed by the Daily Mail's Mike Keegan, the Storch group had a positive meeting with the EFL and representatives from the Independent Football Regulator, in which no issues with the consortium were flagged.

There is still a long road ahead for Storch, though, as Wednesday are set to begin next season with a 15-point deduction, as the takeover bid fell below the amount required to pay creditors 25p in the pound.

The Owls have already been docked 18 points this term, which acted as a catalyst to their relegation to League One, which was confirmed via last month's 2-1 defeat to fierce rivals Sheffield United.

Wednesday are also set to have their weekly wages capped at £7k per player next term, which will decrease their chances of avoiding a further relegation to League Two.

Storch's consortium have appointed sports lawyer Nick De Marco, who could challenge the EFL's restrictions, which is another signal of intent to complete their Owls transaction.