Sheffield Wednesday chairman Chansiri defends ticket prices

SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY owner Dejphon Chansiri has today defended the club’s controversial new matchday prices and told supporters that his “last intention is to price anyone out of Hillsborough”.
Chairman Dejphon Chansiri with head coach Carlos CarvalhalChairman Dejphon Chansiri with head coach Carlos Carvalhal
Chairman Dejphon Chansiri with head coach Carlos Carvalhal

The Owls this week revealed a new pricing structure that will see tickets split into eight different categories depending on the calibre of opposition.

Any category A* fixtures will see adult non-members asked to pay a maximum £52, while the opening day visit of Bristol City - graded as category B - will see fans asked to stump up between £39 and £46.

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The move has drawn stinging criticism but Chansiri has called on supporters to get behind the club.

“If we are to achieve our ultimate aim of promotion, we must embark on this journey together,” said the Wednesday chief. “I will lead that journey as your chairman but I need as much help as possible along the way.

“Budgets must be achieved, we must work within the constraints of Financial Fair Play. And we do not have the benefit of parachute payments, unlike the significant number of our peers in the Championship, each of whom are aiming for the same destination.

“As our costs increase, so too must our revenues across the business. What we are building here will, I have no doubt, lead to one of the most exciting seasons in Sheffield Wednesday’s long history.

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“The remit for Carlos (Carvalhal, manager) is entertaining, aggressive football, and my responsibility is providing necessary funds to finance the players who can help deliver that requirement.

“The permanent transfer of Lewis McGugan this week was our eighth signing of the summer and I am hopeful of further signings to come. The jigsaw is coming together, piece by piece, and I am as excited as you are to picture our new-look team take the field for the first game of the season against Bristol City.”

Wednesday sold around 13,000 season tickets for the coming season while anyone joining the members club will save £5 on matchday admission for every game.

Chansiri added: “We need as many supporters to join us as possible on 8 August and I can only emphasise that the very last intention is to price anyone out of Hillsborough.

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“I pledge that as a club, we will explore further strategies to ensure we attract as many fans as possible throughout this season and those of the future.

“I can assure every single supporter that I will give everything it takes where possible to take Sheffield Wednesday back into the Premier League and all I can ask for as a maximum is your support in return.”