Sheff Weds v Blackburn: Chansiri is hopeful his cash will help Owls add to their ‘rich history’

The 46-year-old Thai businessman completed his £37.5m takeover of the Championship club earlier this week. Tonight marks the first game of his reign as Blackburn Rovers head to Hillsborough .

While a tilt at the play-offs is likely to be beyond the Owls this term, Chansiri is a firm believer in the potential of his new acquisition. Speaking through an interpreter, he said: “Sheffield Wednesday is a club with a very rich history going back almost 150 years.

“The fan base is amazing. It is large and loyal, and they are passionate about their team.

“The response I have got from meeting fans out and about in Sheffield has been extraordinary.

“There is potential here. It is a sleeping giant. There is a good chance we can make the improvements to get the team back up into the Premier League.”

Wednesday slipped out of the top-flight in 2000. Two stints in League One and a best finish of ninth in the Championship since is a poor return for a club who have known much better days.

Chansiri’s task is to try to bring success back to S6, something he thinks will help crack the lucrative foreign market in not only his native Thailand but also around the world.

He added: “We would like to build the fan-base in Thailand for Sheffield Wednesday and, from there, recognition and fan base within the ocean region such as Singapore.”

Chansiri gave his full backing to head coach Stuart Gray at his unveiling as the Owls’ new chairman on Monday and the pair have since met to discuss a number of matters.

Chief among the subjects was the 15 or so players who will be out of contract in the summer along with a list of potential transfer targets.

For the new owner, the past couple of months have proved something of a crash course in the vagaries of football.

“Before having interest in buying Sheffield Wednesday,” said Chansiri, “I didn’t have much knowledge about English football. But, over the process of doing due diligence and several months of negotiation, I have learned more about English football as a whole. I feel I am getting a better grasp of everything.”

Last six games: Sheffield Wednesday DLDLWW, Blackburn Rovers WWDDLD.

Referee: E Ilderton (Tyne & Wear).

Last time: Sheffield Wednesday 3 Blackburn Rovers 3; April 12, 2014; Championship.