The partnership led by James Bord is awaiting EFL approval to complete its ownership of Sheffield Wednesday.

The Owls fell into administration in October, and several parties expressed interest in buying the club.

The former poker player’s offer was selected as the preferred bidder on December 24th, and they are now waiting for the agreement to be concluded.

Previous owner Dejphon Chansiri was heavily criticized by fans for how he operated the club, and Bord will now have a large in-tray when the purchase is finalized.

The Yorkshire club is almost certainly relegated to League One after the EFL docked them 18 points this season.

Next, Sheffield Wednesday’s owners must win back their fans.

When asked what Bord and co’s top two priorities should be once they take over the club, FLW’s Sheffield Wednesday fan analyst Patrick McKenna stated that winning over the fans will be critical, particularly those who have stopped attending games this season.

He also believes that they will need to have an instant influence on their transfer activities, particularly when it comes to bringing in players at the start of the summer market.

“The first thing he’d have to do is try to re-engage fans who have abandoned the game due to the high ticket prices,” McKenna told Football League World.

“So maybe they can entice supporters back with reasonable tickets, whether for season tickets or anything.

“So it is something they should look into since we only have fans who have entirely gotten out of the way.

“I also believe they should see if they can enter the transfer market early and see if we can get started, rather than waiting until the conclusion of the summer transfer season to bring in new players, since we need new players as soon as possible.

“So, by the time the new season comes in, players will have been in and will have been able to work together, train together because certainly that’s something they didn’t have this summer and that’s still causing issues for us.”

Sheffield Wednesday have battled for success throughout the Championship season under Henrik Pedersen, who has been left with a depleted roster.

Due to transfer constraints, the Owls have been limited to free agents and loan deals, with the club also depending largely on younger players.

However, injuries have exacerbated the situation, and the club now has a net loss of seven points.

Sheffield Wednesday’s next game is at Bristol City on January 24th, with a 3pm kickoff.

Sheffield Wednesday’s new owners face a hard journey ahead.

Turning things around at Hillsborough will take time, and Bord will have a lot of work to do if this agreement is approved.

Investment in the first-team squad, the stadium, and other infrastructure is required, and fans must be assured of a future route.

Lowering ticket costs would be a gesture of goodwill to supporters and a positive first step for the new ownership, though it is uncertain whether their financial situation allows for such a move.

The summer transfer window will also be critical, as the team needs to be strengthened for life in League One, particularly if they want to be promoted.