Sheffield Wednesday's new owner David Storch focused on 'action' after 'extremely emotional 48 hours'
Sheffield Wednesday’s new owner David Storch shares heartfelt statement after emotional weekend at Hillsborough
Sheffield Wednesday’s new owner David Storch has said the focus is on “action” following the completion of a long-awaited takeover at Hillsborough.
The Owls entered administration back in October, when Dejphon Chansiri’s turbulence-ridden ownership was brought to an end.
Fans have had to endure a long and arduous takeover process but finally saw it completed over the weekend. Not only did Storch and his colleagues at Arise Capital Partners seal their purchase of the South Yorkshire club, they confirmed the club will not be docked 15 points ahead of their 2026/27 League One campaign.
Wednesday managed to celebrate the occasion with their first home league win of the season, a 2-1 victory over West Bromwich Albion on Saturday (May 2).
David Storch shares heartfelt message
Posting on X, Storch said: “Wanted to take some time to reflect on a day I’ve been dreaming of for months. Saturday was perfect. Will never be able to express how grateful I am for the warm welcome the SWFC fans gave my family and me. The sun shone down on our wonderful club on Saturday.
“It was the experience of a lifetime to enjoy the moment with you all, to share our new crest designed by the incredible local agency Peter and Paul, to share the news that after an incredible collaborative effort between my team, the EFL and BTG (administrators) we will start next season on zero points.
“To introduce you to our incredible new CEO, David Bruce…. and to witness over 30,000 of my newest friends singing for 99 minutes straight as our Owls closed out such a difficult season with a win. I’d like to further highlight how grateful I am to the EFL for their diligence and approach in working with us to ratify all issues and achieve our target of closing by May 1.
“It takes a village but without the commitment and tenacity of Asher Simons, Clive Betts MP and James Silverwood in particular, we would not be where we are today.
“It’s been an extremely emotional 48 hours for me after a long process, but now the focus is already completely on action. We are proceeding ahead immediately on all fronts and we will update you, the fans, as we go.
“You are the reason Michael [Storch] and I are here, the reason we have fallen in love with this city and this club. We will do everything in our power to ensure we don’t let you down.”
Sheffield Wednesday’s boost ahead of League One campaign
The avoidance of a 15-point deduction has sparked hope of a promotion push at Hillsborough, one that will be led by Henrik Pedersen.
Wednesday’s boss was visibly emotional at Hillsborough on Saturday and saluted Storch while on post-match press duties.
He said: “David is a really good man. He has only been the owner of the club for 24 hours but I am so happy he has shown so much heart for this club already.
“This has been an awful situation. It has been the most difficult situation in English football history maybe ever and we got this win today to say thank you to the fans.”