Apologies in advance - this is a long one.
Now that the transaction is complete, I wanted to take a moment to thank the people who made what many thought was impossible… possible.
This has been one of the most complex, demanding and important processes I’ve ever been involved in. It simply does not get done without a huge number of people going above and beyond.
A few key aspects defined whether this club had a future:
1. Bringing S3 Limited into Administration alongside the Club -
This allowed us to market and sell the Club and stadium together. Without it, the outcome could have been terminal.
Thank you to New Avenue Projects for working with us to make this happen.
2. Funding the Club through the process
Cash was critical.
To the fans - thank you. You backed the Club when it mattered most, buying tickets and merchandise in huge numbers.
To the individual who loaned £1 million - incredible support at a critical time.
And to Henrik Pedersen - for his understanding and leadership when difficult football decisions had to be made.
3. Securing the outcome with the EFL
A huge amount of work went into finding a solution that worked for all parties and protected the Club’s future.
I want to thank a colleague (who would absolutely want to remain anonymous) for the creativity, technical expertise and, quite frankly, one of the most effective pieces of work I’ve ever seen in delivering a solution everyone could get behind.
A number of advisers were outstanding:
Wiggin LLP — David Hinchliffe and team. Relentless, often working through the night.
Freeths (Sheffield Insolvency Team) - led by Oliver Jackson, assisting throughout but crucial in the final weeks.
MD Law - Matthew Dixon (despite his football allegiances…), stepping in to solve a late-stage issue.
BTG Eddisons, BTG Insurance Services & BTG Forensics - supporting throughout.
Shorts Accountants - Scott Burkinshaw and team on tax.
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My BTG team - quite simply exceptional.
Jo Hammond, Mark Weekes, Paul Stanley, Julian Pitts, Phil Stone, Karis Cordery, Ben, Aidan, Niamh, Harry and many others.
And the wider Sheffield office who picked up the slack while we lived and breathed Hillsborough for six months.
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The Sheffield Wednesday staff have been nothing short of incredible.
Henrik Pedersen - one of the best leaders and people I’ve worked with. We were competitive throughout - that’s down to him.
Lindsey - “Mrs Sheffield Wednesday”. Tireless.
‘Stan’ - Mr Safety. Outstanding.
Rob, Louise, James and so many more behind the scenes.
I also want to mention Trevor Braithwaite and Alastair Wilson. Both have taken unfair criticism. They did their jobs professionally in extremely difficult circumstances, and the Club would not have functioned without them.
James Wheelhouse - for answering our SOS when appointed and keeping the IT infrastructure together under real pressure.
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A few others who played important roles:
Lee Strafford - trusted counsel throughout.
Alex Miller and Rob Staton - responsible journalism when it mattered.
Lee Wildgoose, Matt Bruce, Chris Cotterill and many more.
From the Trust - James Silverwood, Rob Brooke, Steven Chu.
And finally, Asher Simons - he was on the other side of the deal but was a huge driving force and without a Wednesday fan either side, I’m not sure it would have got done.I’m proud to now call him a friend.
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This has been a collective effort - but one driven by a clear objective from day one:
to protect Sheffield Wednesday and give it a future.
There is still a lot of work ahead (thankfully not for me 😀)
But today, the Club has stability, a new owner, and a real platform to move forward.
WAWAW
Chansiri Out..... not fit, not proper.
Each day that passes, we lurch from one disaster to the next.... it's literally wrecking my head.
Get out of our club #swfc#wawaw
Hi everyone, I’m afraid I bear some sad news. Most of you will know Dave has been fighting cancer for the past couple of years. Last night, on 28th February 2024, with Lili, Dave’s wife, his family, close friend David and myself by his side, he passed away peacefully at home. All who knew Dave are devastated at his passing. His beloved wife brought him such happiness as did her children, Iza and Sergiu who Dave loved like his own.
Personally, I am not sure I can put into words on how I feel at the moment. My best friend is on a journey that for now, I can’t follow. I will miss him every day and the bond and friendship we shared over half a lifetime. I wish you god’s speed brother; you are and will remain a beacon in this world. See you on the other side. Love ya.
I know Dave and his family would want me to thank all of you who sent messages of support in recent times. It meant the world to him, his family and all The Hairy Bikers team. I am sending you all much love and gratitude for those simple acts of kindness, generosity and spirit. We are eternally grateful for them.
May I ask you all for one further kindness and allow Lili, his wife, his family, close friends and I some time and some peace to process our huge loss. I am sure I will see you all soon.
Love Si x
In celebration of their partnership with the @EFL, @eBay_UK are giving away an official #swfc shirt from the @SkyBetLeagueOne play-off final, signed by the squad!
Simply like and RT to enter! The winner will be selected on 28 June
#eBay#EFL#AD
Thankyou for everything that you have done for the club Darren.
You’ve turned the club around, brought positivity back into Hillsborough, and gave us some brilliant memories to last a lifetime.
Thankyou. 🙏
#SWFC • #WAWAW