John Birch

Fears grow over future of city athletics stadium bbc.in/4mTQNIR

From this story. "Will ensure that all local based creditors are recompensed 25p in the pound in accordance with the EFL rules" is the precise wording thestar.co.uk/sport/football…

One thing that has gone under the radar a bit is that Arise have committed 25p in £ to the non- Chansiri creditors. Therefore, EFL stance is effectively -15 for failing to pay Chansiri alone. More should be made of this as it is a terrible look for the EFL @storchyowl #swfc

@AlanBiggs1 I do think there is an element of opponents just doing what they need to do to win. So although the games appear relatively close, often the opposition haven't really been pushed (as today).

Update on last #SWFC column. Now 73.3% of defeats by 2 goals or less - 22 out of 30.

@GabSutton I'm on board with keeping him. However, there is a difference between being a good coach and a good manager/head coach and he still has plenty to prove in that respect.

Can understand why, from a marketing perspective, keeping a head coach who’s overseen one of the worst seasons in English football - even taking impossible circumstances into account - doesn’t exactly scream exciting new dawn. But in the interests of balance, I happen to have spoken to one or two who have worked under Henrik who say he’s a fantastic coach - intense, but with an attention to detail that belongs at the top level. So, I can see why some Wednesdayites might not be thrilled, but I can also see why Arise are giving him a proper chance. #SWFC 🔵⚪️

@AlexJPMiller I don't remember the EFL requirement for 'thorough and extensive consultation with supporters' when Chansiri unilaterally decided to change the badge!

🚨Sheffield Wednesday's rocky kit landscape explained 👕Macron deal has years to run.. 🤔..but administration could change that 💰Why they've been so pricey ⏲️Time against changes 🦉EFL process needed to change crest Heaps of detail in here👇 thestar.co.uk/sport/football… #SWFC🦉

@stevechu75 @The1867Group @EFL Is there any way the would-be owners could undertake to pay 25p in the £ to all creditors other than Chansiri? If they offered to do that it would put the EFL in the difficult position of having to overtly take Chansiri's side

Let’s all remember that around 75% of money owed is to Dejphon Chansiri. So the @efl position is to reward the person that their regulations failed to ban in time and punish the victims of his crimes #swfc

@robstaton Sounds rather like "we don't want you to go under, but if you do, so be it." And doesn't give much confidence in the prospects of the current offer

EFL Chief Operating Officer Nick Craig, on Sheffield Wednesday: “The League want to see Sheffield Wednesday continue as a member of the EFL, but ultimately we have to also apply the terms of the League’s Insolvency Policy. “The policy, of which has been agreed with Clubs and is there to act as guidance for all Clubs and insolvency practitioners, seeks to balance the interests, not only of Sheffield Wednesday, but also of the other 71 Clubs in the EFL. “We remain open to continuing the conversations with the preferred bidders and the Administrators to try and find a solution that can see Sheffield Wednesday continue as a member of the League.” #SWFC

Is there a scenario where new owners, once in place, choose to pay all creditors except Chansiri 25p in the £? That would put the EFL in a very tricky position when it comes to -15. No idea what the cost of this would be or if it is plausible, just thinking out loud #swfc

@YesWeCrann Not convinced by what is out there (admittedly little) about the Storch group. At this point I'd prefer Ashley, a known quantity with significant wealth who could likely be in place relatively quickly

The purchase of Sheffield Wednesday is a complex case, mainly because of how little the club is actually worth - and the work that needs to be done. Over £100m is needed to get this club on its feet again, and that’s not the sort of money a lot of people have lying around. It’s all well and good bidding the most, but that’s just the beginning. #SWFC need somebody who’s able to genuinely invest - immediately, too. They’re more likely to be able/willing to do that if they don’t pay over the odds on the actual sale price. I know there are concerns around Mike Ashley, but he’s a known quantity that would pass the tests quickly. As for the idea of him ‘flipping’ the club, he can only do that by making it worth more money. That’s only done by making the whole club better. If others can offer that - can offer a genuinely brighter future - then I’m all for it… But Sheffield Wednesday can’t afford another owner that’s going to run out of money.

@YesWeCrann I'm usually sceptical of these kind of changes, but I like this. As long as the format gives an advantage for finishing 3rd/4th then I think it's a good thing that will make the league more exciting

I’ll be honest, I’m split on the play-off expansion… On one hand, it feels money-grabby and I’m 36 now - so I don’t really like change. But, it does elongate the competitiveness of the division even further, and opens up the promotion pool. The PL gap needs closing, though.

Stating the obvious, but if a takeover isn't done by summer transfer window then L2 beckons #swfc

@domhowson Always Peck isn't it. Plays the wind up merchant then runs away. Seems an odious character

Tempers flared between Ingelsson and Peck after the final whistle. #SWFC 🦉⚽️

@AlexJPMiller Some seem to have become blind to the fact that we are now putting out what is a L2 level side (at best) in the Championship. And a disjointed, demoralised one full of short term players at that.

A *very* honest and genuine question, asked with no angle and only in an effort to garner thoughts. If Chansiri was still at the club, had sold those players, had limited the club to its current recruitment efforts, had not been able to offer reassurance on how the future might look etc etc... Do you think coaching team would be getting the same stick online or would there be a gentler understanding? #SWFC🦉

@AlanBiggs1 My concern is it will drag in for months and the new owner, whoever it is, won't be here in time sort out the squad over the summer. And the current squad wouldn't do well in L1. Relegation to L2 doesn't bear thinking about, but it is a possibility

I see Mike Ashley’s name has resurfaced in reports & comments on the #SWFC takeover situation. I’ve had folk asking about him. On that basis I’ve checked with sources. Led to believe he’d still be interested dependent on the outcome of the preferred bid.

Some ridiculous stuff on #swfc today. Get shut of this player, that player, sack the manager. Jeez. And that will achieve what, exactly? We're nowhere near the level, we're in limbo, it's demoralising - we all know that. But come on, keep some perspective

Been a pleasure to watch Bannan over the years. Such a talented technical player, allied to great consistency, work ethic, availability, longevity and remarkable loyalty. A shining light in a dark era. Wednesday legend for me, no question #swfc

That VAR review for offside is absolutely farcical. Are we really at a point where we're zooming in looking for millimetre infractions? Apparently so #NUFC #mcfc

@YesWeCrann There are moments when it really does feel like this club is cursed

Penalty Brentford, about one minute after young Logan Stretch comes on for his debut. Make it stop. #SWFC 🦉⚽️

@_GeorgeSmith99 The difference since Lee started is stark. Credit where it's due, one decision we've got right!

You have to give huge credit to head groundsman Lee Jackson and his staff for the job they have done with the Hillsborough playing surface this season. Despite sub-zero temperatures and snow this week, the pitch is in great condition once again. #SWFC