Sheffield Wednesday "new owners in charge" prediction made amid Chansiri protests | OneFootball

Sheffield Wednesday Fan Pundit Patrick believes Chansiri will be gone by next year, but warns it won't be quick or easy.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Sheffield Wednesday's off-the-pitch issues have been just as prominent as those on it in recent seasons, with many fans growing increasingly frustrated with owner Dejphon Chansiri.

And while no formal takeover has yet materialised, some believe that change could finally be on the horizon.

Sheffield Wednesday: Fan predicts Chansiri exit, but warns that it won't be simple

When asked for his gut feeling on whether Sheffield Wednesday will have new ownership by this time next year, FLW's Owls fan pundit Patrick McKenna admits it's the toughest question to answer.

"I have really had to think on this one," said Patrick. "I suppose that my gut feeling is that yes, there will be new owners in charge. It does seem to be the end game for Chansiri at Wednesday. However, I don't expect any takeover deal to be done any time soon, or not to be drawn out or messy."

Patrick didn't hold back in his criticism of the current owner, who believes is clinging to a misguided narrative about his intentions for the club.

"Chansiri is still peddling this false narrative that he loves the club, and that he only wants to sell to someone he believes is worthy of selling it to. Which is absolutely ridiculous.

Wednesday's financial struggles and fan pressure could force a sale

For many supporters, the signs have long pointed towards a necessary sale, and Patrick believes that Chansiri's worsening financial grip could finally bring that moment to fruition.

"By rights, he should have sold up by now. There is no logic in him hanging on. He is having to throw money at the club every month just to keep it going, and he is really struggling to do this every year," he said.

"There have been consistent issues with players' wages, so he really, at this stage, has to start listening to offers and sell it at a reasonable price. But I think this issue of a reasonable price could be a real hindrance in negotiations. What Chansiri thinks he should get for the club and what it is in reality are two different things."

Patrick also pointed to the power of fan protests and new EFL regulatory measures as potential catalysts for change.

"If we can keep the protests up, and keep the pressure on after he keeps mentioning how he doesn't like protests, then we could force a sale if we keep up. Hopefully, the new EFL measures will put pressure on him because it is blatantly obvious that he cannot run this football club.

In closing, Patrick reiterates his belief that, despite the difficulties, the ownership chapter under Chansiri is nearing its end.

"In all, I do think by this time next year, his time at Wednesday will be over. But it is not going to be a quick and easy process."

Pressure continues to mount on the pitch

While Wednesday's issues away from the pitch have been apparent for several years, the club could be on the verge of losing one of its prized assets in head coach Danny Röhl.

Speaking to Football League World last week, Patrick also outlined that he could see the German head coach leaving Hillsborough over the summer.

"I can see him going to a bigger club in the future and right the way to the top of the game," he said.

"But, Southampton right now are the club that came in for him in December, so they were keen on him. They did not want to pay the release clause, but it will be reduced now in the summer. He will know, Danny Röhl, that his time at Wednesday is over."

"He has taken us as far as he can, and he isn't prepared to work under Chansiri any further," he said.

In his first managerial role, the 36-year-old has pulled off an unbelievable relegation comeback, taking a down-and-out side out of the bottom three in the final weeks of the 2023/24 campaign before lifting them to a mid-table finish in this one.

Sheffield Wednesday find themselves at a pivotal crossroads on and off the pitch

Fan unrest and deepening issues under Dejphon Chansiri's ownership continue to fuel calls for change, and while fan pundit Patrick does predict an eventual exit, he does not foresee it being an easy and clean one.

Meanwhile, on the pitch, the potential departure of head coach Danny Röhl, who masterminded a remarkable turnaround for the club, marks yet another looming transition for the Owls.