Championship

SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY’S controversial owner Dejphon Chansiri has vowed to put no more money into the club after facing a huge supporter backlash.And even rival fans were left fuming after his bombshell statement this morning.
Sheffield Wednesday owner Dejphon Chansiri has vowed to put no more money into the clubCredit: Getty
Chansiri bought the Owls from Milan Mandaric in 2015 but has come under fire over recent months.
Fed-up supporters have launched a number of protests against the Thai businessman ever since he axed Darren Moore in June just days after securing promotion back to the Championship.
They then blasted the season ticket pricing and a huge banner at Hillsborough which read ‘Thank You Dejphon Chansiri’ was defaced and removed ahead of their game with Ipswich.
Angry supporters then caused their recent clash with Middlesbrough to be temporarily halted as they threw tennis balls onto the pitch in another protest.
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
And the troubles seem to be affecting displays on the pitch, with Wednesday currently sitting bottom of the second tier and winless under new manager Xisco Munoz.
Now tensions are set to escalate as the 55-year-old Chansiri issued a lengthy response that began: “Hello to all Sheffield Wednesday fans. I have thought about making this statement for some time and it is extremely difficult for me to do something that I never thought I would have to do. But in the end, I think it is the time to say some things that I feel I have to say before it is too late.
“First of all, I would like to thank all the fans who have supported the club so well over the past nine years or so since I came to Sheffield Wednesday.“There has been joy and sorrow, the joy we have shared together and in times of sorrow we have supported each other.
“Right now, we are not in a good situation in the table and I believe that supporters have every right to voice opinions, speak from the heart and say anything you wish about the football.
Most read in Championship
“That is the nature of the game, which I always respect. But I also believe there are limits to balance for the benefits of the club and all other stakeholders as a whole.”
Chansiri continued: “Fans can complain, criticise, give strong opinions, balanced opinions, say anything you like. But no one has the right to cross the line or the right to try and cause damage, throw insults, or go to my family which has happened again, which I cannot accept.
“Right now, this is too much. I have always welcomed constructive debate and thought, which is fine, but to the people who have contacted me directly with insults, and to my family, I can tell you that I will never accept this.“The club has found ways to improve and make things better and develop as much as we can, in all areas. However, it is not possible for the club to do things alone.
“For example, some fans have said the ticket price is too high. I have explained this many times in forums. For example, the prices can be lower if we have enough guaranteed volume and that is a win-win situation, for the club and the fans.
“It is the same for the price of the shirts, exactly the same principle. The price can be lower if the sale volume is higher. We must look for solutions – it is no use thinking of just one side, we must think of and help each other.
“I lose a lot of money each year and we must try and balance as much as we can.
“We have launched the Community Engagement Scheme for any fans who struggle to attend games and a number of supporters have taken advantage of this scheme.
“Unfortunately, for some who have historically not attended games, they have used the pricing structures to attack the club without the intention to attend themselves, even when prices have been lower.”
Tennis balls on the pitch caused their recent clash with Boro to be haltedCredit: Getty
Then he started to hit back more strongly at his critics, saying: “Some fans say I am the custodian, not the owner. Who say they were born here and will die here.
“I may not have been born here and I will probably not die here but one thing I can say is that I will always try and do my best for Wednesday. Even though I have been involved for less than 10 years, that does not make my love for our club any higher or lower than anyone else.
“To those who are trying to create trouble damaging the club, I ask, what have you done that is good for your club, why are you trying to harm it? If I am such a bad owner, what are you doing on your side?”
Then he delivered the shock news that he will no longer be reaching into his pockets to help the struggling club.
Chansiri said: “We all love Sheffield Wednesday and I am a supporter as well as the owner who must love and care for the club more than anyone else because of the position I am in as chairman.
“I must take responsibility for everything at the club, including the financial support which is something I always do. But from now, I will not put additional money into the club.
“If you say you are the owner and I am the custodian, then show me how to be the good owner and help save your club. You want me to leave but you want me to spend money? If you want me to leave, then show me how to run the club and invest the money before I do that.
“You have no right to ask me to leave. I am the one who saved the club and spent the money for the club, I am the one who needs to pay around £2m on average every month. Some fans need to have more respect for owners of clubs and not be so selfish, thinking of their own benefit without doing anything good to the club.
“This is not acceptable and as a result I am not willing to inject more money while I am being treated unfairly by those fans.
“The club needs support from everyone during difficult times. In football, there are good times and not so good times. It is easy to celebrate good times but we must support each other in difficult times.”
Xisco Munoz has yet to win a league game in charge of WednesdayCredit: Alamy
Some of the protests could lead to Wednesday being hit with FA fines, something that the owner also took aim at.He said: “I think at the moment, it is too much, with some people crossing the line. For example, as a club we have made many statements about the conduct of supporters, and those who have broken the regulations could lead to us receiving fines from the FA.
“Some clubs have been fined up to £100,000 for breaking the regulations and of course this is something we do not wish to see at Sheffield Wednesday. Coming onto the pitch at the end of the game against Peterborough, throwing objects onto the pitch against Middlesbrough, these situations can cost clubs a lot of money which again is my responsibility.”
He then declared that their protests “are a waste of time” as he urged fans not to “damage” the club.
He added: “Regarding protests, I do not believe this can help our club. The people who are trying to organise these protests are not prepared to identify themselves, while they are happy to encourage other fans to show themselves, how can this help?
“Protests are a waste of time. I would like these fans to show me how much you love your club, do not damage it. I do not want to fight with anyone but to use your words – ‘enough is enough’.
“Please do not damage our own club, otherwise those fans need to take all responsibilities and liabilities.”Amid speculation that he has been looking to sell the club, he was adamant that he has not put a valuation on the club.
However, he did say he would “talk” if he received a bid that he felt would help take Wednesday forward.
Chansiri wrote: “I know there are people who wish for me to leave. I personally have never said a single word on my valuation of Sheffield Wednesday or how much I would want to sell Sheffield Wednesday for, because I have never considered selling.
Dejphon Chansiri says that he has never considered selling the clubCredit: PA:Press Association
“It is easy – someone come forward, and if I am satisfied that the club will better prosper, then we can talk. Some fans say there are many people wanting to buy football clubs but it is not just about money, it is about the right person or organisation who will take good care of the club.“There was speculation recently from an interested party but it was said I refused to talk about the sale of the club. This is not correct. It is simple, if you want to buy the club, show me the proof of funds and submit an offer in the professional way.
“I met this person as a sponsor and I did not know who he was representing but the same applies, show me the proof of funds and submit an offer. Neither of these two things happened and as a sponsor, his business was yet to pay the full amount for the sponsorship so how could I sell the club like this anyway?
“If anyone wants to buy the club, they should act professionally and follow the correct process. All the information required is published in the accounts every year, there is nothing to hide.
“When I bought Sheffield Wednesday, would Milan have sold it to me if he was not satisfied with my offer? All I want and all I have ever wanted is the best for Sheffield Wednesday and if anyone wishes to invest and come and do a better job, then we can talk.
“Until that happens I will continue to try my best and focus on trying to help us move up the Championship table.”
He then reiterated that he will no longer be using his money to help the club if he continues to be “treated unfairly”.
The statement finished with: “As I mentioned, I will not inject any more money into the club if I am being treated unfairly.
“Those fans who create trouble to the club and myself and believe that they are the real owner of the club need to be responsible for the financial matters of the club from now on.
“If they can take such financial responsibility to save the club and they believe that I am not the right owner, they may propose any buyer who I believe can operate the club for the benefit of all stakeholders going forward.”
The statement led to a fierce reaction from both Wednesday and rival supportersCredit: Rex Features
Naturally, Chansiri’s statement led to a huge reaction from both Wednesday and sympathetic rival supporters.
“You are not a clown, you’re the entire circus,” blasted one Owls fan.
He was told to “get gone” by another along with: “Jog on, Dejphon. Time to go!”
A Southampton fan tweeted: “Before anyone moans about our owners ever again just refer to this statement below, turning Sheff Wed into a comedy! This is a shocking read for someone unattached to SW, for their fans this must be infuriating.”
Another said: “Feel for all those fans. It’s like a circus.”
While an Ipswich supporter said: “One of the worst statements I’ve seen from an owner. If he remains in charge of your club, there’s one way it’s going.
“From an outside perspective, I hope it gets sorted. As an Ipswich fan, we had years of neglect/under investment. Hopefully he’s gone sooner rather than later.”
READ MORE SUN STORIES
And another worried Owls fan said: “This is about to get seriously toxic. I really do worry where this is going to end.
“I don’t want to see Sheffield Wednesday no longer existing when it’s a MASSIVE part of my life.” More

A NATIONAL LEAGUE side has been plunged into turmoil after its chairman withdrew ALL of its funding.Scunthorpe United are in dire straits after owner and CEO David Hilton withdrew all financial backing this week.
Scunthorpe United have been plunged into chaos. after their owner withdrew fundingCredit: Getty
The club is set to vacate its Glanford Park home due to a dispute with the landownersCredit: GETTY
Hilton – who bought the club in January – has decided to pull the plug due to a dispute with land owners Coolsilk.
And the dispute will have major implications for the club, which will vacate its Glanford Park home next month and play its fixtures at Gainsborough Trinity.
An excerpt of a club statement read: “The club owner and chairman has recently notified the Board of Directors of his decision to withdraw his funding from the club moving forward.
“He has also notified them that he feels his position at the club is untenable, and is actively seeking a way out.
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
“Based on this information, both Ian Dawson and Tahina Akther have decided to resign from their positions with immediate affect.”
Hilton is looking to sell up shop but is being hampered by the ongoing land dispute, which has put off multiple suitors.

The club statement continued: “We can confirm that numerous parties have made contact with the club with a view to taking over.
“But faced with stadium issues, numerous litigation proceedings and winding up petitions no potential purchasers are looking to move forward.
Most read in Football
FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
“This includes the consortium of local business people and supporters.
“The Chairman and remaining board members have now set out a plan in order to very quickly make the club sustainable.
“An outside company will be bought in to work closely with the club’s creditors to try and ensure all are paid in a timely and professional manner.
“The club will vacate Glanford Park after the Brackley Town fixture and fulfil the season’s fixtures across at Gainsborough Trinity.This is not a day-to-day cost-cutting exercise.
“This is due to Coolsilk refusing to engage with the club and demanding vacant possession before they will begin to do so.
‘This is also due to the risk the club faces of being liable for hundreds of thousands of pounds in legal fees and back-dated market rent, along with significant monthly legal costs of our own that will certainly impact any attempts to create sustainability.
“In any case, Coolsilk own the property and will undoubtedly get possession back at some point, and therefore it is no longer viable without the financial support of the Chairman to put the club at risk with such a gamble to merely guarantee a few extra months at the stadium.”
To make matters worse for Hilton, he’s currently being investigated by The FA after it emerged he’d previously been convicted of fraud.
“The club can confirm that Chairman David Hilton is under investigation by the FA for matters that were reported to them by The Athletic prior to releasing their article,” Scunthorpe said.
Scunthorpe owner David Hilton is under investigation by the FA
Dwindling attendances in recent years have well and truly hit the pockets of the club – which is anticipating more cost-cutting measures in the coming weeks and months.
“Moving forward, the club can progress and challenge for promotion as originally planned,” the club said.
“The playing side can be left relatively untouched and the debts cleared, but it will require supporters, sponsors and the community to be patient and continue to support the club the way they have done over the last few months.
“Falls in attendances will undoubtedly mean further cuts and this will inevitably impact the playing squad and promotion aims.
“We hope that the support continues regardless of how uncomfortable some of the decisions feel or the inconvenience those decisions will cause.”
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Scunthorpe currently sit in fourth place in the National League North with 18 points to their name after nine matches.
They’ll be back in action on Saturday afternoon, hosting Buxton for their penultimate fixture at Glanford Park. More

READING have been plunged into further turmoil after being slapped with yet another transfer embargo.The Royals have been hit with not one but two points deductions in what has been a difficult season on and off the pitch.
Reading are currently in turmoil on and off the pitchCredit: Getty
The League Two side are facing their second transfer embargo in two monthsCredit: GETTY
The club faces yet another points deduction if they fail to player players and staff on FridayCredit: REX
And their bid to avoid back-to-back relegations has taken a major hit after having another transfer embargo placed on them.
They’ve been hit with their second embargo in just over TWO MONTHS for failing to pay HMRC on time.
And they’re now facing an unprecedented FOURTH winding up order.
That’s according to The Telegraph, who claim the club has been hit with a second set of transfer restrictions after “missing another deadline for the tax bill to be paid”.
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
Owner Dai Yongge is facing huge pressure from fans to sell the club after racking up a whopping 16 points in deductions for multiple breaches of the EFL’s financial rules.
And that pressure will increase on Friday if the club fails to pay its players and staff on time.
Failure to pay wages this week will lead to yet another points deduction – which will no doubt enrage the Madjeski faithful.
Royals fans are set to protest Yongge’s turbulent ownership ahead of Saturday’s home match against Burton Albion.
Most read in Football
FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
Dai Yongge is facing strong calls from Reading fans to sell the clubCredit: Rex Features
Reading’s woes are the direct result of Yongge’s troubles funnelling his wealth into the country.
Government restrictions have hindered the Chinese multi-millionaire’s ability to move capital into the UK and have resulted in a major cash-flow problem.
The EFL directly charged Yongge earlier this month after he failed to deposit 125 per cent of the club’s wage bill into a specially allocated account.
Reading are currently 22nd in the League One table, one solitary point behind 20th-placed Albion. More

RUSSELL MARTIN keeps telling Southampton fans they must suffer pain before things get better … but they must be reaching for the morphine now at St Mary’s.Put simply: the Saints are the sick men of the Championship.
Russell Martin is trying to get Southampton through their pain
And although ‘Doc Martin’ has made the correct diagnosis, he is struggling to find the remedy.
Southampton are beginning to look like they need to be taken to A&E and if things get any worse it’ll be intensive care.
It was painful enough crashing out of the Premier League after finishing rock bottom last season.
Then they had a whole glut of stars like James Ward-Prowse, Romeo Lavia and Tino Livramento surgically removed from the squad in the summer to ease a cash trauma.
Read More Football
But to then haemorrhage NINETEEN goals — the worst in the Championship — and lose four on the spin, Southampton after eight games look in a critical condition.
Martin himself did not fully comprehend the enormity of the job he was taking on in July — but he certainly knows now.
The Southampton boss is trying to change the whole culture at the club — the way they train, the way they bond and interact with one another, the way they connect with the fans and of course the way they play.
Martin told me during the week that there is a lot of “scar tissue” at Southampton — more than he ever thought — and that when a group of players are used to continued disappointment it takes more time to lift them.
Most read in Championship
HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
Gutted Saints players react to their relegation from the Premier League
James Ward-Prowse was one of the prized assets to leave St Mary’s
It is known that the mood is far better around Southampton’s training ground than it has been in recent seasons. There is a lot more energy around the place — which is no surprise given Martin’s full-throttle way of doing things.
He always wants his teams to be brave on the ball, not be scared to make mistakes, be on the front foot, keep possession and score goals.
Not being able to call on his star signing — striker Ross Stewart — because of injury has not helped on the scoring goals front.
And the “being brave on the ball” bit is seriously hurting them right now because so many times when they are trying to do just that they are losing possession inside their own third, and getting ruthlessly punished for it.
I’ve not seen any other Championship team make so many elementary mistakes this season than the Saints … although Norwich ran them a close second with their horror show at Plymouth on Saturday.
But all this is because Martin wants his teams to play this way and, because they’re in transition, they haven’t yet got the hang of it.
Being without star signing Ross Stewart has not helped Saints’ cause
He wants time and patience to get it right.
But after the 2-1 loss at Middlesbrough on Saturday, he is now under huge pressure. 
The Southampton board want to make an immediate return to the Premier League and this current run of results will be alarming them.
So while Martin wants players to be brave on the ball, will the club’s hierarchy be brave in the boardroom and stick with him?
They should give him time because they were the ones who bought into his vision.
When a club has been on a tailspin like Southampton, it’s crucial to first make sure you stop the rot. You regroup in the Championship before looking upwards again. It’s an extremely tough process and one that can be hard for fans of relegated clubs to take.
If Saints were to part company with Martin and rip up everything they wanted the future to look like, they could then run the risk of sinking even further.
Russell Martin was successful with MK Dons and got Swansea motoring
Sunderland suffered back-to-back relegations from the Premier League to League One from 2017 to 2018. They let go of Simon Grayson in October before going for Chris Coleman. They could not stop losing and crashed into League One, which then took them four years to get out of.
Of course, it remains to be seen whether Martin can lead a club out of the Championship. 
So far in his managerial career he has won promotion out of League Two with MK Dons.
And he certainly looked like he was creating something exciting at Swansea. The seven wins and two draws from their last nine games saw them fall just three points short of making the Championship play-offs last season.
He should have stuck with the Swans given what he was doing there. 
Now he is in danger of losing his job already with the Saints.
But if they were to get rid of him now, it could leave the sick men of the Championship on life support and it could be touch and go if they would be able to make it through.
Giggs would be a ‘no-brainer’ for Salford
RYAN GIGGS has been getting tipped for a return to management with Salford — the club he co-owns with his Class of 92 pals.
League Two hasn’t proved to be the cakewalk they thought it was going to be with the club now in their fifth season in the EFL.
Ryan Giggs would be perfect manager for Salford
Paul Scholes gave it a go for a few weeks as a caretaker after Gary Neville bizarrely sacked Graham Alexander in 2000.
And now Giggsy is said to be ready to step into Neil Wood’s shoes after five straight defeats leaves Salford fourth from bottom.
It has surprised me that during all the time the club have been in the EFL that none of their owners have decided to take up the managerial role.
When you have David Beckham, Giggs, Gary and Phil Neville and Nicky Butt among your owners, it is surely a no brainer that one of them should be leading the team.
If Giggsy does take up the job, it will be the most sensible thing they have done since getting promoted.
Moore back but sad to see Warnock go
GREAT to see Darren Moore back in management at Huddersfield.
The way he was treated by Sheffield Wednesday’s mad-cap owner Dejphon Chansiri after winning promotion from League One was nothing short of shameful.
Wednesday fans certainly let their feelings known at Swansea as they chanted against their Thai businessman as they lost 3-0 — leaving them stranded bottom of the Championship with just two points from eight games.
Neil Warnock did a superb job keeping Huddersfield in the Championship
But while it is great to see Moore back in the dugout 25 miles up the road in Huddersfield, we’ll miss Neil Warnock … but no fear he will be back soon.
If anyone thinks the proud Yorkshireman is going to retire (again) after doing a superb job keeping the Terriers in the Championship, you can forget that.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
He will pop somewhere later this season … but where?
Maybe Chansiri should get on the blower.But, as Warnock is a boyhood Sheffield United fan and Bramall Lane legend, I think we all know what his answer will be! More

LEEDS UNITED manager Daniel Farke left fans stunned after showing off his skills on the touchline during Saturday’s match against Watford.Midway through the match, the 46-year-old plucked the ball from the air with a perfect touch.
Daniel Farke left fans stunned with his first touchCredit: Twitter @LUFC
He received a standing ovation from the crowdCredit: Twitter @LUFC
He then received a standing ovation from awestruck spectators behind the dugout, with many visibly stunned.
Fans also took to social media to react, with one person writing: “Nonchalant as! That’s our manager!”
Another added: “This is class. The touch. The fans reaction. His little knowing look.”
A third wrote: “Better touch than most footballers.”
Read More on Football
A fourth fan said: “Thought it was never going to be good again after Bielsa, but here we are!”
While a fifth made a joke at Chelsea’s expense, writing: “Get ready for a £100M offer from@ChelseaFC for him.”
Before becoming a manager, Farke played as a striker.
He spent the majority of his playing career with German side SV Lippstadt 08 and eventually went on to manage the club for six years.
Most read in Championship
FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
Farke then took charge of Borussia Dortmund’s reserve team before being appointed as Norwich boss in 2017.
He helped the club get promoted to the Premier League during his second season in charge, but they were relegated the following year.
The German manager was sacked in 2021 and went on to take charge of Krasnodar and Borussia Monchengladbach before returning to England to join Leeds. More