The experts have their say on the Wednesday crisis

The ex-player

John Pearson played for Sheffield Wednesday from 1980 to 1985, scoring 24 goals in 105 games. He now assumes a number of roles at the club, including working in their community department.

"Obviously we'd like everything to get sorted today, with Sheffield Wednesday not going into administration, and everything turning out rosy. That's what everybody has been waiting a number of years for. But at this moment in time things are still uncertain.

"The people behind the scenes have worked really hard to get somebody in, they've been working 24/7 to make it happen and I don't think any more could have been done.

"Howard Wilkinson has come out on a couple of occasions and has put people as right as he could.

"I have no doubt positive news today would give everyone at the club a massive boost; the players, the fans, the staff. Everybody has been waiting for good news for a long time.

"The alternative, administration, is something I'd prefer not to think about. I really hope that does not happen. People at the club have fought tooth and nail to make sure that does not happen."

The ex-director

Joe Ashton, former Owls director and former Labour MP for Bassetlaw.

"If Sheffield Wedesday go into administration today it is not the end of the world.

"If you look at other examples; Barnsley, Leicester, Southampton – there are a number of clubs that are still here today having taken that course of action.Ken Bates went into Leeds United five years ago and rescued them from a far worse position, and now look at them, a Championship club on an even keel.

"The question I always ask is where did the money go? Why did they always allow managers to spend so much money on wages?

"I think Sheffield Wednesday are going to have to go into administration and in the long run it might work out better for them.

"A takeover today will never happen. The likelihood is someone coming in next week when they only have to pay a certain amount in the pound to the creditors.

"The only thing that Wednesday have that could entice potential investors is the 2018 World Cup bid. If England win the vote it could prove very lucrative."

The fans

John Gath, chairman of fans group Wednesdayite.

"I thought the last winding-up petition day was a bad day, but yesterday was even worse and I don't expect today to get any easier.

"All you can do is listen to broadcasts, read reports and wait.

"It's been quite a dreadful few weeks for us Wednesday fans.

"But you sense we are approaching the end game, because it needs to be sorted one way or the other for all the Wednesday fans out there who are waiting anxiously.

"The worst-case scenario today is that the winding-up petition is successful and the club ceases to exist. Unfortunately, administration is also a very possible outcome.

"Obviously the most beneficial outcome, and the one we crave, is that someone comes in and saves us, changing the boardroom totally and bringing fresh impetus and fresh ideas to the club.

"The current board have been in place for many, many years and during that time the club has gone from a positive bank balance to 30m in debt. That indicates a distinct change is needed.

"Hopefully today we will get the positive news we all want."