Sheffield Wednesday’s search for a new owner has taken another turn this week, as the club continues to explore for a preferred bidder following James Bord’s unsuccessful takeover effort after two months of exclusive rights at Hillsborough.

Charlie Methven is the latest candidate to be associated with the Owls, having previously taken over Sunderland and Charlton Athletic while both were in League One.

While he did not have much success with the Black Cats, as part of SE7 Partners (Global Football Partners), he helped oversee the Addicks’ rise up the third tier table, as the South-East London club went from last place in 2023/24 to the play-offs the following year.

However, he resigned as CEO of Charlton in March 2025, only a few months later selling his interest. Now, with Sheffield Wednesday the next club he wants to help rebuild, Football League World investigates why he departed The Valley last year.

Why Charlie Methven quit Charlton Athletic in 2025 amid a Sheffield Wednesday relationship.

Methven was never supposed to be engaged in the day-to-day operations of the Addicks when he initially bought the club, but with the team failing on the field at the start of his tenure, he became more involved and, as CEO, was critical to their successful 2024/25 season.

However, less than two years after obtaining the role, he resigned as CEO of Charlton and stated why in March 2025. He stated (via charltonafc.com): “It has been a great honor to serve this magnificent club. Last year, when development was slow, I agreed to relocate to south-east London and take on an executive role, despite not having planned to do so.With the club on the rise, it is time for me to pack my tent and give the owners and Board of Directors the time they need to find a replacement in time for next season. This season, Charlton’s income from commercial, retail, hospitality, and tickets will climb by around 30%, and it has been a joy to manage a young, bright, and hardworking team at The Valley.”

Methven went on, “I’d want to thank the senior staff I brought to Charlton for their tireless work and good humour. But I’d like to convey my gratitude to three persons with whom I’d never worked before. To Gavin Carter and Paul Elliott CBE MBE on the Board, who have provided moral support during difficult times.Also, to Nathan Jones, who has been an excellent teammate and inspiring leader. The club is in excellent hands, and I look forward to seeing its success in the next years.”

Sheffield Wednesday needs stability as soon as possible after months in administration.

Sheffield Wednesday has had a difficult few months since going into administration in October, and they are in desperate need of a saviour to help them recover this summer.

Methven has previous experience with both Sunderland and Charlton. While the former did not have much success at the club, he demonstrated how much he learned during his time on Wearside when he joined the Addicks, and his knowledge in the boardroom might be invaluable.

The Owls have a lot to do once they take over, and they’ll be hoping to escape a 15-point deduction for next season. This will be enforced if the new owner does not repay creditors at the rate of 25p every £1 due.

With Methven at the helm, this may be prevented, but there is still much work to be done to restore this once-great club to its former grandeur.