Sheffield Wednesday legend Carlton Palmer backs 'astute' Mike Ashley for Owls takeover
Sheffield Wednesday legend Carlton Palmer has claimed “astute businessman” Mike Ashley is the right figure to take Sheffield Wednesday forward.
Ashley, who owned Newcastle United between 2007 and 2021, is thought to have submitted a bid for the Owls in November.
However, a consortium led by James Bord emerged as the frontrunners and secured selected bidder status on Christmas Eve.
Their recent withdrawal from the process has blown the race wide open again and Ashley is thought to have retained interest.
Carlton Palmer’s verdict
Reports have indicated he is planning to table a revised bid and Palmer believes Ashley is the man to take Wednesday out of administration.
Posting on X, the former Owls star said: “I have said all along, right man to take the club forward.
“Not heard a bad word said against him from lots of people. I know who work for him. Deep pockets, knows football, astute businessman.”
American businessman David Storch has also been linked with a takeover and is widely considered to be Ashley’s main competitor.
The pair are reportedly at an advantage having moved along with the process months ago.
Challenges of new era
Wednesday’s relegation to League One has already been confirmed and whoever does buy the club will have a mammoth task on their hands.
In a recent interview with Football Insider, former Manchester City adviser Stefan Borson said: “People have forgotten this is a very difficult situation to go into. They are going to be relegated.
“They almost certainly now are going to have a 15-point deduction next season as well because the lower bid is going to mean that the unsecured creditors are not going to have what they need.
“So, you’re going to have a situation where you immediately bought the club, you celebrate for about five minutes and then you realise that actually then the hard work begins. It is going to be a slog. It’s not going to be straightforward.”