Sheffield Wednesday have been crying out for a fresh start, and David Storch’s anticipated arrival at Hillsborough could finally be the start of one.

After years of upheaval under Dejphon Chansiri, the mood in Hillsborough has mostly been one of frustration and stagnation. However, relegation to League One demonstrates that they have indeed plummeted and the magnitude of their demise.

A club of Wednesday’s size and fan base is once again forced to rebuild rather than compete, with few in English football having had a more difficult year than the Owls. However, this poses both a challenge and an opportunity.

League One is punishing, but it also provides an opportunity to reset the culture, character, and direction of this massive football club. When Storch completes the takeover, he will acquire a “sleeping giant” in every respect, as well as a club with the infrastructure, fanbase, and history to function at a much higher level.

It’s one that has repeatedly been held back by poor ownership decision-making, which means he’ll have some easy wins in the third tier next season, as Sheffield Wednesday fans will be delighted by the promise of a change.

Ike Ugbo needs to be the first out of the door for Sheffield Wednesday.

A new ownership group brings with it newfound optimism and, more importantly, the opportunity to rebuild with a professional strategy. Recruitment will be key to this. Even if they start the season at -15, Wednesday cannot afford to wander in League One.

Supporters will need to see that they are being proactive, decisive, and clever in the market in order to build momentum for promotion. However, before any substantial acquisitions can be made, some equally crucial judgments must be made about the current roster.

Trimming underperforming assets and resolving prior recruitment missteps will be equally important as bringing in new faces. Many fans will notice Storch’s first significant transfer decision right away. Ike Ugbo’s position stands out as one that cannot be overlooked.

After a six-month loan stay with Wednesday in the second half of the 2023/24 season, during which he scored seven goals in 18 league appearances, Ugbo joined South Yorkshire on a permanent basis from French club Troyes for £2.5 million.

Over the last two seasons, the Canadian striker has failed to deliver at the desired level. What appeared to be a wise economic decision has turned out to be a costly mistake, leaving Ugbo fighting for consistency and confidence. That has also had an impact on his final-third performance.

Carrying that kind of financial burden for such a low return is far from desirable for a club in League One today. Ugbo’s contract still has two years to run, which complicates issues but also emphasizes the importance of decisive action.

Wages of about £20,000 per week cannot be carried into the third division by a team that has been struggling financially for some time.

Allowing the situation to deteriorate will just exacerbate the problem and potentially squander resources that may be better used elsewhere in the team. The role of Storch and Arise is therefore clear: to promote a departure. Whether this takes the shape of a permanent sale or a loan with an option or obligation, the priority must be to move on.

Ike Ugbo’s Sheffield Wednesday record

Ugbo has finally proved to be a poor investment. However, this isn’t just about finances. If Wednesday are to overcome a 15-point deficit, they will need forwards who can be counted on to contribute consistently.

Carrying a striker with low confidence and form serves little use. Making a definite choice on Ugbo would send a clear statement to both fans and the current playing squad about Storch’s plans for the club.

It would show a willingness to face difficult circumstances head on and a determination to ensure that past failures do not impede future advancement. The 27-year-old has nine goals and two assists in 81 games for Wednesday, with eight of those 11 appearances coming in his first half-season.

That is simply not good enough. If Sheffield Wednesday are to make the most of this new age, clear leadership is required in instances like this. Moving on from Ugbo may not be the most spectacular beginning, but it is unquestionably one of the most important this summer.