Sheffield Wednesday share crucial Hillsborough North Stand update ahead of Stoke City visit

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Sheffield Wednesday are set to host Stoke City this weekend in their first home game of the Championship season.

The financial turmoil at Sheffield Wednesday this summer under owner Dejphon Chansiri has impacted all areas of the club.

On the playing front, several high-profile Sheffield Wednesday stars have departed the club this summer as well as head coach Danny Rohl.

As a result of the Owls’ ongoing financial crisis, the disarray at Sheffield Wednesday bled into matters regarding a closure of the North stand at Hillsborough Stadium.

Now, Sheffield Wednesday have provided clarity for the supporters ahead of Saturday’s first home clash of the season against Stoke City.

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Sheffield Wednesday’s North Stand at Hillsborough will be open vs Stoke City

Reports emerged last month that the North Stand at Hillsborough was facing closure until vital work was completed to fix the stand’s structural integrity issues.

9,000 Sheffield Wednesday supporters were left unsure as to whether they would be able to attend the first home clash of the season against Stoke this weekend.

Sheffield Wednesday proposed two options if the North Stand of Hillsborough was to remain closed for the Stoke clash.

Thankfully for those 9,000 Owls fans, a Sheffield Wednesday statement has confirmed that the North Stand of Hillsborough will be open for the Stoke visit.

Sheffield Wednesday stated: “Sheffield Wednesday are pleased to announce that Sheffield City Council has lifted the Prohibition Notice previously in place for the North Stand at Hillsborough.

“This outcome follows constructive cooperation between the Club and the Council and receipt of the necessary professional safety assurances to allow for the reopening of the North Stand.

“With the notice lifted, normal operations at Hillsborough will resume, allowing supporters to return to all stands.”

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Sheffield Wednesday can kickstart season with win vs Stoke City

Despite the turmoil surrounding the club, Sheffield Wednesday now have a prime opportunity to earn their first win of the campaign.

In Sheffield Wednesday’s 2-1 defeat to Leicester City at the weekend, there were several positive signs present for head coach Henrik Pedersen to build upon this season.

Owls goalkeeper Pierce Charles was exceptional against Leicester, and Barry Bannan will be available to face Stoke despite his red card for two yellows against the Foxes.

Ahead of Saturday’s Stoke clash, it was announced that Max Lowe will stay at Sheffield Wednesday after his exit looked inevitable given he handed his notice in earlier this summer.

All of these factors, coinciding with having the maximum 34,835 capacity of Hillsborough in full voice following the council notice being lifted, mean that the Owls faithful may finally witness something positive this weekend.