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The club's supporters described Wednesday as “one of the most bittersweet days in our 158-year history” after the Championship side was placed into administration by owner Dejphon Chansiri and deducted 12 points.

Club Crisis Results in Points Penalty

The Owls are confronted with almost certain relegation following the EFL’s penalty placed them at minus six points, 15 adrift of safety. Team members and employees experienced delayed wages over recent months, compounding the period of turbulence.

Administrator Begbies Traynor have taken control of proceedings aiming to sell club assets, including the team's home ground, to recoup debts estimated at £1m in tax. Soon after the administration announcement, seats spelling out Chansiri were removed from the North Stand.

“Administration resulted from prolonged financial issues, a lack of accountability, and unsuccessful sale attempts,” the Sheffield Wednesday Supporters Trust said. “Administration is not something to be celebrated. It could have been avoided. But we're relieved the owner has departed.”

Coach's Outlook on Fresh Start

Wednesday’s manager, Henrik Pedersen held talks with administrators with team members and employees on Friday morning. The Dane said entering administration was necessary for a fresh start.

The manager emphasized “a sad situation can also still be a good day”, adding: “Recent months showed the situation was unsustainable. We need a fresh restart to use the potential of this fantastic club. Now there is a belief, a hope, there is a feeling of looking towards better days. When I close my eyes, I can see a bright future for Sheffield Wednesday

Employee Concerns

Employees expressed emotion upon hearing the update, with Pedersen saying: “There is insecurity. Will wages be paid? What comes next? Will it be better? Or won't they? The general feeling was that they are all looking forward to the future together with Sheffield Wednesday

Continuing Money Problems

The situation at Wednesday has been deteriorating sharply in recent months after the former manager and players left following unpaid wages. The EFL expressed concern regarding financial health in August.

Since then, Wednesday operated with minimal funds, applying all revenue such as solidarity payments to deal with debts. Facing potential closure orders by tax authorities, the owner exhausted alternatives.

Insolvency Practitioner's Comments

A lead administrator, Kris Wigfield from the insolvency firm said: “Like many football clubs, [Wednesday] has been trading at a significant loss over multiple seasons, previously covered by the owner. Because of mounting money troubles, the owner has chosen to place the club into administration allowing us to sell the club and ground as a whole, a positive development for fans.”

Regulatory Response

The culture secretary, Lisa Nandy commented on the situation highlighted again of the need for the independent football regulator, recently legislated. The regulator is expected to be in operation for the start of the 2027-28 season.

“My club Wigan faced similar issues, so I understand fans want a quick solution,” she added.

Supporter Actions

Supporters have boycotted the club’s retail and merchandise this season with many absent during the Middlesbrough match in the latest boycott. Before Oxford’s visit on Saturday, officials urged fans to return.

“Stability and revenue are critical now, the trust said. The phase of resistance has achieved its goal – now begins the phase of renewal. Every ticket bought, every shirt worn, every pie and pint enjoyed in Hillsborough helps the club rebuild. Meaningful change is possible if we act. Now is the time to be Wednesday

What Lies Ahead

The trust said it expected strong interest from buyers while developing a “fan-led takeover proposal” guaranteeing “even in the worst-case scenario, the threat of liquidation will not be an option”.

The manager, once an assistant, said he was not resigned to relegation despite the severity of the challenge. “We have to be a new Sheffield Wednesday with an old heart, he said. We have a fantastic club and it deserves to grow. I have a big belief we can survive in the Championship with this group of players. We will keep fighting