THERE HAVE NOT BEEN OWLS BIDS – CHANSIRI

By Tom Blackett

CONTROVERSIAL: Wednesday owner Dejphon Chansiri

UNDER-FIRE Sheffield Wednesday owner Dejphon Chansiri has insisted that there has been “no substantial interest” in buying the club.

The Thai businessman is the subject of protests from Owls supporters after players and staff had their wage payment for last month delayed in what was the latest in a long list of off-field issues.

Wednesday have been placed under a registration embargo in each of the past two seasons amid financial problems and were deducted six points in 2020-21, a season where they were relegated from the Championship, for breaching spending rules.

In a lengthy letter on the club website, Chansiri, who has been in charge of the Owls for just over a decade, said: “I am still here for our club, for the future of all of us and please let me make my situation clear.

“I do not have the intention to sell, I love this club.

“But if today, tomorrow or another day in the future, if there is someone out there better, more suitable and has the potential to take care of our club, I am ready to pave the way for Sheffield Wednesday to move forward from a stronger position.

“I am happy to leave if Sheffield Wednesday is left in a better place.

“It is not just about the price, it is about the right individual or group to take our club forward.

“And if someone was to come forward, I can assure you I am happy to listen and happy to talk.

“We have all seen speculation and stories that a consortium or individual is ready to come in and take over.

“But I can guarantee there have been no offers at all.

“There has been some interest but nothing at all substantial that has been followed through.

“With any sale, it must be done the correct way – not through one of my people asking for a bank statement which again is not true – but through lawyers, with proof of funds and a tangible offer.”

● Mike Harris has made a £5m takeover bid for Shrewsbury Town as other interested buyers have entered talks with League One’s bottom side.

BBC Radio Shropshire reported that “several” parties are now in discussions with Town, and that talks are said to be progressing “extremely well”.

Harris, owner of Cymru Premier champions The New Saints, revealed on social media that he had first attempted to buy Town from Roland Wycherley in September.

“My offer is straightforward and unencumbered by conditions,” Harris wrote of his new bid.

“It is a sincere proposal aimed at safeguarding the future of the club, establishing a prudent business model, and ensuring fiscal responsibility, allowing the club to thrive both on and off the field.”