Danny Rohl’s Sheffield Wednesday put up a frustrating display last night at Hillsborough Stadium as they let a lead slip not once but twice in a 2-2 draw against Bristol City. A win would have taken the Owls to ninth place, two points away from the play-off spots. Instead, they’re 11th. The Owls have endured a tough run, having won only one game in their last seven across all competitions.
We sat down to discuss the Owls’ fortunes with the legendary Chris Waddle who assessed their promotion chances and had strong words for the club’s chairman and owners.
Owls will have to punch above their weight to reach play-offs
Waddle, who played for Sheffield Wednesday from 1992 to 1996, expressed his admiration for the Sheffield Wednesday staff and players for the effort they’ve put in this season. Waddle adds that the Owls have exceeded expectations.
“The staff are doing an amazing job. They can focus on reaching the playoffs, and credit to the players, who are working their socks off. I don’t think anyone expected them to have done so well this season.”
He continues saying that Sheffield United, Burnley, Leeds and Sunderland are the ones who’d be lock-ins for the promotion battle but the other two spaces are up for grabs. To be there, Waddle believes that the Owls will have to work on their goalscoring and decision making in the final third.
“Probably Sheffield United, Burnley, Leeds and Sunderland are the clubs you would look at to get promoted, but I think there are two spaces up for grabs for the play-offs. Ten teams can get these two places. The top four teams are very consistent but the rest are not.
“They have problems scoring goals, also making the right decision on the final third. I don’t think they are planning on getting anyone this January.”
The English football icon didn’t hide his appreciation for his former side, stating that he’d love to see them in the playoffs.
“I would love to see Sheffield Wednesday in the playoffs and it would be an unbelievable achievement.”
I would like to see the chairman disappear
While Waddle admires the work that the staff have done, he was very critical of Sheffield Wednesday’s board and owners. He didn’t mince his words when asked about them, stating that he’d like to see the club’s chairman, Dejphon Chansiri, disappear.
“Long term, I would like to see the chairman (Dejphon Chansiri) disappear.”
Chansiri’s tenure as the club’s owner has been chaotic and he is not popular among the fans. He infamously refused to invest more money in the club in 2023, after fan protests.
His ownership period was further mired by a registration embargo placed on the club for not paying taxes – something that was resolved by raising money through the fans. Waddle, unsurprisingly, wants a change in ownership, saying that their loyal fans deserve better.
“I would love it if someone bought Sheffield Wednesday. There is a lot of work to do with the stadium and facilities, but they have the fans and they are a great club.”
Sheffield Wednesday are set to return to action this weekend, as they prepare to take on QPR, in a tough test of their play-off credentials, with both teams in the mix for a top-six finish this term. Sheffield Wednesday are priced at 15/8 on bet365 to win that match, and this well-known betting site are worth using, as they’re one of the best football betting sites in the business, with a range of betting markets, as well as a strong sign up offer.
