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It’s not been a bad season for Sheffield Wednesday on the pitch. But, off it, things continue to spiral out of control under the ownership of Dejphon Chansiri.
After last season’s great escape, the Owls have pushed on this year from relegation fodder to being genuine play-off contenders.
That push for the top six may well come to nothing in the end, with Wednesday five points off the play-off spots with seven games to go. But, it’s progress nonetheless under Danny Rohl.
Wednesday may need to find a replacement for Rohl if rumours are to be believed, but there are other, more pressing issues to resolve at the moment.
Sheffield Wednesday wages haven’t been paid… again
As per a club statement, Sheffield Wednesday players have not been paid for March, in what is described as a ‘temporary issue’.
The statement reads: “Sheffield Wednesday can confirm a temporary issue with the payment of player salaries for the month of March.
“This has occurred as a result of significant sums of money owed to the chairman’s businesses which has in turn impacted on the club’s immediate cashflow.
“The chairman is working hard to resolve this situation at the earliest possible opportunity and in the meantime thanks everyone for their patience and understanding.”
Sadly, this is not the first time this has happened. The same issue reared its head as recently as November of last year, which led to a transfer embargo at the time.
The fact this has occurred again has left a sour taste in the mouth of many an Owls fan.
A statement from the chairman of the Sheffield Wednesday Supporters’ Trust, Ian Bennett, called for action from Chansiri to fix the mess as quickly as possible lest it harm the reputation and future of the club.
Bennett wrote: “We are very concerned once again about the financial instability affecting the club and the implications it may have on its operations and reputation. The Trust wants to see full transparency and accountability in addressing these issues.
“We urge the chairman to resolve the situation immediately to ensure the payment of the players and staff, as is their contractual right.
“This development will understandably have left fans feeling uneasy about the club’s immediate future. Fans were already saying enough is enough. We just can’t go on like this.”
Regardless of where the money is or isn’t coming from for Chansiri, the responsibility to pay his staff falls on his shoulders only, and there can be no excuse for failure to fulfill this duty.
If the owner of a football club can’t afford to pay players without a bill being paid to him first, then that is a very concerning position to be in.
Dejphon Chansiri must sell Sheffield Wednesday soon
There has been talk for some time now of Chansiri selling up and moving on. After this latest development, the cries for the chairman to depart are growing louder and louder.
Rumours of a US-based consortium wanting to buy Wednesday emerged last week, but the only issue is whether Chansiri himself wants to discuss that proposal.
Between the financial issues, Chansiri’s controversial ticket pricing for the Steel City derby, and his general obtuse attitude to fans in recent months, it should come as no surprise that fans are eager for him to leave.
In 2023, Chansiri launched a frosty attack on fans (via the club’s website) who were criticising his regime, insisting he is not a “bad owner” and questioning what the supporters are doing to improve the situation at the club.
Two years later, Chansiri must surely answer that same question himself. With the stature and legacy of a club like Sheffield Wednesday, plus the immense following and the fact they have one of the brightest managers in the division, it is beyond doubt now that the chairman himself is the only thing holding the club back.