Sheffield Wednesday’s path to administration was laid bare by the fact they began the season with only 15 first-team players. The squad was gutted in the summer after former manager Danny Röhl and key players left due to repeated failures to pay wages.
This instability, which has seen staff go unpaid in five of the last seven months, culminated in owner Dejphon Chansiri appointing administrators. The move, which also tackles a $pounds{}$1 million tax bill, cost the club 12 points, leaving them on -6.
Fans, who are “overjoyed” to see Chansiri’s “mismanagement” end, called the day “bittersweet.” The 12-point hit leaves the club 15 points from safety and facing an almost certain relegation.
Manager Henrik Pedersen, who has worked with the depleted squad, called it a “fresh restart.” He told “emotional” staff that he sees a “bright future” and still believes survival is possible.
Administrator Begbies Traynor is now in charge, seeking a “swift sale” of the club and stadium. The Supporters Trust is urging fans to end their boycotts and help fund the “renewal.”