Hillsborough Stadium was in a celebratory mood on Saturday, despite the clubs relegation to League One, as new owner David Storch introduced himself to the fans.
Chants of ‘hi ho Sheffield Wednesday’ rang around a sold out Hillsborough, a rendition of Jeff Beck’s ‘Hi Ho Silver Lining’, a fitting song on a day like this, with the American consortium’s purchase of the club being a rare moment of hope in the Owls’ season.
While addressing fan’s before the match, Storch said: “Today we return the club to the fans – this is your club.
“I want you to know that we will work tirelessly on your behalf.
“You have no idea what a huge task this has been.”
Storch then went on to thank other members of the consortium, as well as welcoming the club’s new CEO David Bruce, who has been tasked with ‘leading the efforts’ of the club’s rebuild.
He also shared that the club’s point deduction has been wiped next season, displaying a countdown on the screen, which was met with thunderous applause from the fans in the stadium.
The new ownership takes over from Dejphon Chansiri’s tenure at the club, an era that saw point deductions, administration and huge staff layoffs.
Fans have been protesting the Thai businessman’s ownership of the club for years, and the new appointment has clearly been a breath of fresh air for Wednesday’s fans.
Theo Devenport, 19, a lifelong Sheffield Wednesday fan said: “It’s absolutely incredible.
“Wednesday were so close to being kicked out of the football league, they were taking points off us and punishing the fans for something the chairman had done.
“Chansiri ruined us, but David Storch has come in and saved us, paid off our debts and is steering the club in the right direction.
“It feels like we have our Wednesday back.”
Storch has promised more water at the stadium, better food and merchandise, and has also ensured that the club will field ‘a competitive team’.
Following a 2-1 win against West Brom on the last day of the season, Wednesday fans can feel optimistic about next season as they drop to League One.
With a clean slate and a fresh start, things are looking up for the Owls.



