In the final outcome, Dejphon Chansiri departed empty-handed.
Sheffield Wednesday’s former Thai owner will be remembered in history as one of English football’s most inadequate caretakers.
His turbulent reign came to a close when he had no option but to put the club into administration due to an impending winding-up petition from HMRC for approximately £1.7 million in unpaid taxes.
Despite guiding Wednesday to the brink of the Premier League in his initial season as owner in 2015-16, he has since shown the fans consistent disrespect and disdain.
His self-centeredness extended to having his name displayed on seats at Hillsborough, with those seats now being removed prior to the upcoming match against Oxford United.
The match is anticipated to draw a large number of Wednesday supporters to the stadium to financially support the club following a plea from the administrators.
Fans have refrained from making purchases inside the stadium, following the Supporters’ Trust’s call to cease spending at the club shop and food and drink stalls.
Attendance from walk-up spectators has been minimal, with only season ticket holders attending matches that have yielded just one goal and one point at home thus far.
In a recent fixture against Middlesbrough broadcasted live on Sky Sports, season ticket holders were encouraged to watch from home or at a pub, resulting in an almost empty stadium.
The administrators have emphasized that the fans’ refusal to spend has compelled Chansiri to take action and relinquish control of the club.
Chansiri’s attempt to manipulate the fanbase, one of the largest and most devoted in English football, has backfired.
The club is currently facing challenges after being left with only 15 senior players over the summer, receiving five EFL embargoes, and being prohibited from making transfer fee payments for the next three transfer windows.
Salaries to players and staff have been delayed for five of the previous seven months, yet Chansiri has stubbornly resisted selling the club.
Despite potential buyers, Chansiri’s unwillingness to negotiate a fair sale price has tarnished his reputation irreparably.
He could have regained substantial funds, but his obstinacy and lack of foresight have proven costly.
Chansiri has remained silent for an extended period, with his whereabouts presumed to be in Thailand. The current events should evoke embarrassment and humiliation, although his response remains uncertain.
Sheffield Wednesday has been docked 12 points, leaving them at -6 and firmly rooted at the bottom of the Championship, indicating likely relegation to the third tier.
The impact of administration on the club, its employees, and various creditors, including local businesses, who are likely to only recover a fraction of their dues, should not be overlooked.
A silver lining in this dire situation is the placement of Sheffield 3, the company owning Hillsborough separately from the football club, into administration, enabling the potential sale of both the club and the ground as a unit.
The pressing question now is who will step forward to purchase this once esteemed institution and endeavor to revive its former glory. Despite potential opportunists, there should be ample interest in rescuing this venerable club in distress.
Chansiri has consistently failed to comprehend Sheffield Wednesday, the city, and the club’s significance to thousands of steadfast supporters across generations.
Nearly five years ago, it was stated that the club’s recovery could only commence once rid of his ownership. That time has now come, hopefully marking the start of a healing process.
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