'I was sold from the start' - Sheffield Wednesday legend David Hirst salutes new Owls regime
David Hirst has opened up on the introduction of a new era at his former club Sheffield Wednesday
Sheffield Wednesday legend David Hirst has revealed he was “sold” on the club’s new owners from the get-go.
Arise Capital Partners have taken control of the Owls, bringing a much-needed end to a turbulent chapter in the club’s history.
Dejphon Chansiri had overseen a prolonged period of instability and there were widespread celebrations when he was ousted last year.
Hirst kept his distance from Hillsborough for the bulk of Chansiri’s reign but is fully embracing the new regime - and has lifted the lid on talks he had with chairman David Storch.
David Hirst embracing new Sheffield Wednesday era
The former England international forward told Mail Online: “We met just before the takeover in a little restaurant in Sheffield. We had a great chat about plans they had if the takeover came to fruition. I was sold from the start.
“It was all about reconnecting and finding out who and what they needed to know to get our club back where it belongs.'They've come with such a positive attitude into what was to be honest an absolute s***storm.
“I still watched from afar. I'm a blue, [my son] George is a blue. Thankfully it worked out well for both of us and now it's great to be back.
“It was a no-brainer for me. I'd been away for 10 years and to come back and the welcome I received… the only thing missing was the fatted calf.”
Remaining grounded
Wednesday are eyeing promotion from League One yet many supporters are just delighted to see competitive matches back on show at Hillsborough.
Last season, as the Owls nosdived in the Championship, there was little riding on many of the games with relegation viewed as an inevitability.
Hirst said: “Let's not kid ourselves. We were weeks if not days from going under. We've an old ground that needs some care. They're working on it.
“Things are not going to be perfect this season on or off the field. Hopefully, it's good but I come from the real world, and I've been around football for long enough to know there's no magic wand in this game.”