Paul France

Sheffield Wednesday fan and keen cyclist & golfer when I get time

[Paul France @frenchie_99]

@AdamBlythe89 are you out on the bike yet? In Certosa Di Pavia and got an Aperol with your name on it 🇮🇹 🩷

[Paul France @frenchie_99]

@my_whoosh why so many bloody updates. I want to jump on my trainer and train - no wait another 20 minutes. Seems like every other week!!

[Dom Howson @domhowson]

Brilliantly executed by #SWFC and the new ownership group before kick-off. 🦉⚽️

[Rob Staton @robstaton]

The moment Sheffield Wednesday fans found out their club isn’t facing any points deductions next season… #SWFC

[Paul France @frenchie_99]

There are not many fans/clubs in the world let alone the UK who could put on a show like this after the season that @swfc have won experienced. Emotional and surreal #reborn

[Sheffield Wednesday @swfc]

REBORN 🦉

[@BamfordWasOnside @Vileanimal1919]

Definitely not a #swfc fan, But just so I'm clear, their former owner asset strips club, leaves Hillsborough in a state, doesn't pay staff/players. Leaves. Then EFL want new owners to pay over the odds to compensate Chansiri?! Then deduct SW another 15 points? That's insane #lufc

[Henry Winter @henrywinter]

The man who wants to rescue Sheffield Wednesday, American businessman David Storch, says he has been “informed that a 15-point penalty is set to be imposed at the start of next season” in League One. The outgoing owner Dejphon Chansiri should hang his head in shame at the damage he has inflicted on Sheffield Wednesday. He can’t have a conscience. Otherwise he’d accept a compromise on bid price. 

The EFL should have been tougher with Chansiri quicker. The FA should remember it is supposed to be custodians of the game and protect clubs. The importance of an Independent Football Regulator, much delayed by vested interests, is highlighted again by events at Wednesday. 

At the moment, the people being punished at Wednesday are fans, players, staff and the man who wants to save them. Shameful situation engulfing a historic club which could have been avoided with stronger leadership by the authorities. And Chansiri locating some principles. #SWFC

[Grant Roberts @GrantR_1867]

The EFL has sanctioned Sheffield Wednesday consistently since 2018.

Over that period, the club has been hit with multiple transfer embargoes spanning nearly a decade. By October 2025, Wednesday were under six simultaneous embargoes — the most any club has ever faced.

On top of that, the club has suffered repeated points deductions. A -12 deduction in 2020/21 severely damaged recruitment and momentum going into that season. Although it was later reduced to -6 on appeal, the damage had already been done — those points ultimately proved the difference between survival and relegation to League One.

In 2025, the situation worsened further. The club received:
•-12 points for entering administration, after the former owner failed to meet basic financial obligations such as paying wages and bills on time
•A further -6 point deduction, again due to the owner’s failure to uphold his responsibilities

This is not a case of a club gaining an unfair advantage — quite the opposite. The club has been placed at a significant competitive disadvantage for years due to sustained mismanagement.

Sheffield Wednesday has endured one of the most damaging ownership periods a club of its size is likely to experience. The former owner’s approach has not only harmed the club financially but also created a toxic environment for staff and supporters alike.

And yet, despite this, there is now an expectation that the same owner should be repaid — while the club continues to face further punishment.

How can that be justified?

The new ownership group should not be penalised for the failures of the previous regime. They should be given the opportunity to restore stability to a club that has lacked it for nearly 26 years.

Imposing further sanctions — such as another -15 point deduction, spending caps, business plan restrictions, and transfer limitations — would only deepen the damage. It risks condemning the club to yet another relegation and prolonging the cycle of instability.

At some point, there has to be recognition that continued punishment is no longer corrective — it is excessive.

The club, its staff, and its supporters deserve the chance to move forward.

#FairDealForWednesday

@storchyowl

[Paul France @frenchie_99]

@Flic86 Mate would love to see you up the farm again. Might even join you for the walking football 💙

[Paul France @frenchie_99]

It’s been a long time coming but was amazing to see the first group of players enjoying this great facility last night. Special shout out to my family, friends for their support and my colleagues/ex-colleagues for the help in getting this and all the associated work over the line

[Huntingdonshire FA @HuntsFA]

We were thrilled to be invited to have a look at the new 3G Astro Turf Pitch Facility at the Peter Hodson Memorial Stadium in Godmanchester today!!! It’s been a long journey but the pitch looks amazing!!! @GoddyRoversFc

[Paul France @frenchie_99]

Yet another @amazon delivery left out in the rain without even attempting to knock at the door. The clues are there - driveway full of cars and lights on FFS 🤦🏻‍♂️

[Paul France @frenchie_99]

Refreshing to host a group of respectful committee and management from @MarchTownFC today who understand the challenges of developing and improving a grassroots football club. Even more special for me as they are a former club of mine.

[WEDNESDAY RETRO @WednesdayRetro]

Sad sad News

Saved our club

RIP Milan

Thoughts to all his family 🦉#swfc

[Paul France @frenchie_99]

Got to love how football fans, players and club officials will blame the referee, assistants, pitch, weather - pretty much anything if they lose a game they expect to win. Rather than just admit the opponent was better on the day 🤷🏻‍♂️💙

[Paul France @frenchie_99]

@robstaton Absolute cockwomble of a Chairman

[Paul France @frenchie_99]

@GoddyReservesFC Excellent opportunity to be part of an exciting project. Even if you aren’t sure - pick up the phone and have a chat

[Paul France @frenchie_99]

@CambsCC highways showing their incompetence pretty much gridlocking Ramsey with roadworks and road closures 👏🏻

[Paul France @frenchie_99]

@MickyH1988 Thanks mate. Appreciated - means a lot. See you at the walking football? 🤔#gmflegend

[Paul France @frenchie_99]

@TCGSweeney13 @GoddyRoversFc @MMFlowersUK Have a word with your mate @OllieDrake01 - I suggested we all meet up for a beer. Be great to catch up 👍🏻 just need a date 🤦🏻‍♂️