Sheffield Wednesday are back to square one in their takeover attempt after the group formed by former professional poker player James Bord withdrew last week.

This has returned Sheffield Wednesday to a state of uncertainty, however it has been claimed that Mike Ashley and the Storch family have maintained their interest in purchasing the club, and the administrators at Begbies Traynor have either met or communicated with interested parties.

On the football, Wednesday’s fate has already been set, as they were relegated over a week ago after losing to rivals Sheffield United in the Steel City Derby.

However, without an owner in place, the chance to rebuild and go again next season is being pushed back, and everyone affiliated with the club, particularly manager Henrik Pedersen, is becoming increasingly frustrated with having to wait for next year’s ideas to be implemented.

Henrik Pedersen expresses his emotions about the Sheffield Wednesday takeover situation

Sheffield Wednesday were defeated again on Saturday by Southampton. They have failed to earn any points in 2026 and have already lost 12 consecutive Championship games.

The focus is clearly on how they will arrest the rot and prevent falling even farther down the EFL next season, although that focus is somewhat masked by the lack of confirmation of a new owner.

Following the Southampton defeat, Owls manager Henrik Pedersen expressed his desire to find a new preferred bidder as soon as possible in an interview with the Sheffield Star.I believe I share the same sentiments as the players, staff, coaches, fans, and prospective new owner. “Everyone wants it to end quickly so we can start planning for the future,” he said.We need to start getting fresh air in so that we may all look forward rather than just survive. We have a lot to accomplish right now to let the ship sail. To deliver outstanding performances in training and sports.Right now, I have some clear thoughts. But, certainly, we’re all looking forward to the new owners taking over, and then we can go from there.”

Sheffield Wednesday can’t focus on next season until a new owner is in place.

Everyone affiliated with the Hillsborough-based club is eager to forget everything about this season. However, with the grey cloud of uncertainty still hanging over the new owners, it is impossible to look forward to next season with confidence.

Right now, Wednesday requires a reboot. The drop to League One will help, but as things stand, they will lack the means to develop their team, and if a purchase is not made soon, there may not even be a team to reset, as administrators cannot operate a club indefinitely.

Fortunately, there appear to be multiple backup plans available for Kris Wigfield and the rest of the administrative team. Furthermore, someone like Mike Ashley will most certainly pass the EFL’s Owners and Directors’ test with ease, making the purchase a quick process.

In any case, Wednesday fans are eager for some good news to emerge from Hillsborough, and as Pedersen stated, they will be able to fully plan for their return to League One.