David Bruce 'certainly capable' of leading Sheffield Wednesday rebuild after Sunderland exit, says ex-CEO
A former Premier League CEO delivers his verdict on what David Bruce could achieve at Sheffield Wednesday
David Bruce is “certainly capable” of leading the Sheffield Wednesday rebuild, believes ex-Everton CEO Keith Wyness.
Arise Capital Partners are working to complete a takeover in S6 and want to get their feet under the table early enough to make an impact on the 2026/27 campaign.
Bruce, who is leaving his role as Sunderland’s chief business officer at the end of the season, has reportedly been lined up for the position of CEO at Hillsborough.
David Bruce verdict
Wyness, who also served as chief executive at Aston Villa, told Football Insider: “I haven’t met David, but I’ve had a good look at what he’s done at Sunderland, and he’s certainly done some solid stuff. What would attract him to Sheffield Wednesday is obviously the comeback story that could be made there.
“He knows there is the raw material in terms of the fanbase. In a funny way, it’s similar to Sunderland in the sense that they’ve had the shadow of another club, and they’ve had to dig deeper into their own fanbase and create more deals, and they’ve done that successfully.
“Sheffield Wednesday is going to be an amazing story if somebody gets it right. He’s there for the longer term to lay good foundations, which he seems to be very capable of doing. But it isn’t just going to be like you’ve got three or four years to get this right.
“From day one, David’s going to have to get them right and put the foundations in place that can grow. He’s certainly capable, he’s young enough to have the energy and the ability to do it. He’s well thought of within the game, and so he’s got every chance.
“For Sheffield Wednesday, that’s a good signing, and it’s a shame for Sunderland that they’re losing him. So overall, it’s a thumbs up from me, and I wish him the best of luck in what he’s going to do.”
Sheffield Wednesday preparing for League One return
Wednesday will be returning to League One for the 2026/27 season and look likely to start the campaign with a 15-point deduction.
Arise’s David Storch, who has been the public face of the takeover bid, has called for an independent review of the potential penalty. This call has also been supported by the Sheffield Wednesday Supporters’ Trust.