Breaking news: 61-year-old plans to submit a bid to purchase Sheffield Wednesday within the next 24 hours.

A fresh development has emerged regarding the future ownership of Sheffield Wednesday, with reports suggesting that former Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley could make a renewed attempt to purchase the troubled club within the next 24 hours. The update comes from Telegraph journalist John Percy, who revealed that the 61-year-old businessman is preparing a fresh proposal as the race to take control of the club intensifies.

Ashley has long been linked with a takeover of the South Yorkshire side and previously submitted a proposal valued at approximately £20 million late last year. That initial offer was made to the club’s administrators in November, but despite failing to secure the deal at the time, his interest in acquiring the club has reportedly remained strong ever since.

Administrators currently overseeing the situation at Sheffield Wednesday are expecting final bids to arrive before the weekend deadline. At present, Ashley and American entrepreneur David Storch appear to be the leading candidates to succeed current owner Dejphon Chansiri and assume control of the club.

The takeover process has already experienced significant setbacks in recent months. A planned acquisition led by businessman James Bord collapsed recently despite him having previously been named the preferred bidder toward the end of 2025. His withdrawal forced the administrators to reopen discussions with other interested parties, putting Ashley and Storch back into contention.

Ashley Preparing a New Offer

According to the latest information from The Telegraph, Ashley is carefully evaluating his options before submitting a new proposal. However, the report indicates that a fresh bid is likely to be made on Friday as his determination to purchase the club has not diminished since his earlier attempt.

Ashley’s initial approach came on November 25 when he presented an offer of roughly £20 million to the club’s administrators, the financial advisory firm Begbies Traynor. At that stage, however, the administrators opted to proceed with Bord’s competing proposal instead.

With Bord’s consortium now out of the running, Ashley once again appears to be a central figure in the ownership discussions. His extensive business background and previous experience running a football club make him a significant contender to take control of the Hillsborough outfit.

The administrators overseeing the process have also made it clear that any prospective owner must satisfy strict financial requirements tied to the club’s debt situation. Interested bidders are required to guarantee repayment terms equivalent to 25 pence for every pound owed to creditors.

Failure to meet that condition could trigger further punishment for the club. In particular, the English Football League may impose an additional 15-point deduction at the beginning of next season in EFL League One. Such a penalty would come on top of the 18 points already deducted from the team during the current campaign.

Ashley’s Football Background

Ashley is no stranger to football ownership. He spent 14 years in charge of Newcastle United before eventually selling the club in 2021. The takeover that ended his tenure saw Newcastle purchased for around £300 million by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund.

Although his period at St James’ Park was often controversial and drew criticism from sections of the fanbase, Ashley demonstrated an ability to maintain financial stability while operating within the demanding environment of English football. That business experience could prove valuable for a club currently facing significant financial and sporting challenges.

Now, several years after stepping away from club ownership, Ashley appears interested in returning to the football industry. His potential move to acquire Sheffield Wednesday would represent his first major involvement in the sport since leaving Newcastle.

Supporters of the Owls may have mixed feelings about such a prospect. While Ashley’s reputation among Newcastle fans was often negative, his ability to run a profitable business empire through companies such as Sports Direct suggests he could bring financial discipline to Hillsborough.

Bord Withdrawal Dealt Major Blow

Before Ashley’s renewed involvement emerged, the takeover process had appeared close to completion under the leadership of James Bord. His consortium had been granted a period of exclusivity in December, putting them in pole position to finalise the purchase.

However, the deal ultimately collapsed when Bord and his partners reconsidered the valuation of the club. Initially, they had offered £47.8 million to acquire the struggling side, but later concluded that the club was worth significantly less than that figure.

Despite eventually walking away from the negotiations, Bord had already contributed substantial funds to support the club’s operations during the exclusivity period. Reports indicate that more than £4 million was invested to keep the organisation functioning during the takeover talks.

His decision to withdraw therefore delivered a significant setback for the club and its supporters, who had been hoping that new ownership would finally provide stability after a turbulent period.

Relegation and On-Field Struggles

The uncertainty surrounding ownership has coincided with a disastrous run of results on the pitch for Sheffield Wednesday. The team’s relegation from the EFL Championship was confirmed last month following defeat to fierce rivals Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.

That result ensured the club will be competing in EFL League One next season, further complicating the financial situation and reducing potential revenues.

Recent performances have done little to improve morale among the fanbase. A loss to Southampton FC extended the Owls’ miserable run to 12 consecutive league defeats under head coach Henrik Pedersen.

Such a prolonged losing streak has highlighted the fragile condition of the squad and the urgent need for reinforcements ahead of the next campaign.

The club was also forced to sell several important players during the January transfer window in an attempt to ease financial pressures. Experienced midfielder Barry Bannan and defender Yan Valery were among the key departures.

Those exits have left the squad severely lacking in experienced professionals, making it difficult for the coaching staff to maintain competitiveness during the closing stages of the season.

Urgency for a Resolution

Given the combination of financial uncertainty, relegation, and a weakened squad, resolving the ownership situation has become a top priority for everyone connected with the club.

A confirmed takeover would allow new leadership to begin planning immediately for the upcoming 2026-27 season. That process would include rebuilding the squad, stabilising the club’s finances, and restoring confidence among supporters.

For now, attention turns to the next 24 hours, when Mike Ashley is expected to reveal whether he will formally submit a new offer. If he does proceed with a bid, it could mark a crucial step toward determining the future direction of Sheffield Wednesday as the historic club attempts to recover from one of the most challenging periods in its history.

Birmingham City to sack Chris Davies after Tom Wagner told him ‘he has failed’ (according to fans)

This piece forms part of Football League World’s ‘Terrace Talk’ feature, where FLW Fan Pundits share their personal takes on the latest news, developments, managers, players and transfer links across the EFL.

Although there had been signs of progress in recent weeks, Birmingham City’s hopes of securing a Championship play-off spot have suffered a significant setback over the past few days.

On February 21st, the Blues produced what many supporters described as a statement 2-1 victory over Norwich City at Carrow Road. It marked the first time in 24 years that the West Midlands outfit had claimed all three points away to the Canaries, who have shown renewed energy under Philippe Clement.

A seven-match unbeaten run in the league had propelled Birmingham to within two points of fellow promoted side Wrexham in sixth position. However, successive defeats against Millwall and Middlesbrough have widened that gap back to eight points with 11 fixtures remaining.

History suggests that such a margin is not impossible to overcome. Nonetheless, Davies’ remarks following the 3-1 home defeat to Boro at St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park hinted that only another sustained and exceptional run would give his team a realistic chance of finishing in the top six.

Davies’ spell in B9 has been something of a rollercoaster in what represents his first role as a full-time head coach. While he masterminded a record-breaking EFL League One campaign last season, amassing an extraordinary 111 points, questions remain over whether he is the right figure to take Birmingham to the next level in line with Knighthead’s ambitious long-term vision.

‘Failed’ Chris Davies claim issued amid potential Birmingham City, Tom Wagner sack call

At various stages throughout the season, Davies’ position has appeared uncertain, yet he has consistently retained the backing of owner Tom Wagner, who has placed faith in him to steady the ship.

The 40-year-old once again received strong support in the winter transfer window, with six new arrivals bolstering the squad. In addition, the club converted Patrick Roberts’ loan from Sunderland into a permanent signing.

Despite that investment, Football League World’s Birmingham City fan pundit Jason Moore believes Davies is not the right man to guide the club forward in pursuit of their Premier League aspirations. Moore argues that tactical shortcomings are the central issue.

When asked whether Davies is the correct appointment for the future, Moore was unequivocal. In his view, the current head coach lacks the tactical acumen required to outmanoeuvre rival managers in the Championship, let alone compete at Premier League level.

Moore acknowledged that Davies pays close attention to structural details within his preferred system. However, he feels the manager is unable to adapt when confronted with different challenges. According to the fan pundit, Birmingham’s squad — considering the financial backing and recruitment — should be performing at a higher level than it currently is.

He suggested that, man for man, Birmingham’s squad surpasses those of Millwall, Hull and Wrexham. The only advantage he concedes to those sides is their greater Championship experience. Aside from that, Moore believes Birmingham possess superior quality and that Davies has fallen short of expectations.

A further criticism centres on what Moore describes as Davies being a coach with a single approach. If his primary plan does not succeed, Moore claims the manager tends to make like-for-like substitutions rather than altering the tactical setup or introducing a genuine “Plan B.”

For that reason, Moore does not see Davies as a long-term solution. He even suggested that he would not be shocked if the club’s ownership opted to part ways with the head coach in the summer, especially if Birmingham fail to secure a play-off berth.

With promotion via the play-offs now looking increasingly unlikely, the coming weeks could prove decisive for Davies’ tenure.

Chris Davies’ Birmingham City future could be at stake in the final 11 games

As things stand, Birmingham’s hopes of closing the gap to the top six are slim but not entirely extinguished. Achieving that objective, however, would require a near-flawless run from this point onward.

Their record against teams currently occupying the play-off positions does not inspire great confidence. From nine previous meetings with top-six opposition, they have managed just two victories — both secured at St Andrew’s against Coventry City and Millwall.

The schedule ahead remains demanding. Birmingham are still set to face several promotion contenders, including Hull, Wrexham, Derby County, Bristol City and Preston North End in the weeks to come.

Given the level of financial commitment from Knighthead and the bold ambitions outlined by ownership, scrutiny on both the team and Davies has intensified. Significant resources have been invested in reshaping the squad, and expectations of rapid progress have naturally followed.

Should Birmingham fall short of the play-offs over the final two months of the campaign, it would not be surprising if the hierarchy began reassessing the managerial position once again. The project is geared toward returning the club to the Premier League, and patience may be limited if the current trajectory fails to align with those objectives.

Ultimately, the final 11 matches of the season may determine whether Davies is entrusted with leading Birmingham into the 2026/27 campaign — or whether Wagner and the board decide a new voice is required to fulfil their lofty ambitions.

“Relieved it’s finished”: Josh Sargent opens up after Norwich City F.C. exit confirmed in £20m switch

Josh Sargent has officially completed his move away from Norwich City, bringing an end to a turbulent transfer saga that overshadowed the final chapter of his time at Carrow Road. The American forward has now joined Toronto FC in a deal worth up to £20 million, and he has admitted he feels relieved to finally close the door on a difficult episode.

Sargent departs Norfolk after four-and-a-half years with the Canaries, returning to North America to continue his career in Major League Soccer. While his spell with Norwich featured plenty of positive moments and strong individual contributions, the manner of his exit has significantly altered how his tenure will be remembered.

Transfer drama overshadowed successful spell

Despite enjoying a largely productive run at Norwich, the striker’s relationship with the club deteriorated rapidly during the closing stages of his stay. The situation escalated when Sargent made himself unavailable for selection under manager Philippe Clement, a move that reportedly stunned the coaching staff.

A tense meeting involving Sargent, Clement and sporting director Ben Knapper pushed matters beyond repair. What might have been a routine transfer request instead spiralled into a public and heated dispute, effectively ending any possibility of reconciliation.

With the deal now finalised, Sargent has spoken about his desire to move forward. In comments to GOAL, the 26-year-old acknowledged the drama but made clear he wants to focus solely on the future.

“It’s been a lot going on,” Sargent said. “I think everybody has seen the drama and whatnot happening, and I don’t want to talk too much about the stuff that’s happened at Norwich because, to be honest, I just want to move on from that. I’m just happy to be here and relieved that it’s all over. I just want to play games again as soon as possible.”

No clear winners in messy separation

While reports suggested Sargent had been sidelined by Clement, the origins of the dispute appear rooted in the striker’s own actions. He informed Norwich via text message that he would not make himself available for selection, seemingly in an effort to force through a move.

Prior to that moment, Sargent had actually started every Championship fixture of the season. However, his goal return had dipped to just two goals in 19 matches, adding further scrutiny to his form.

The fallout was swift. Clement publicly addressed Sargent’s refusal, something well within his managerial rights, but it ensured the dispute unfolded in full view of supporters and media alike. The reported heated confrontation between the player, the manager and Knapper further inflamed tensions, with claims that personal matters, including references to Sargent’s family, intensified the breakdown.

In the end, neither side emerged entirely unscathed. Sargent secured the transfer he was pushing for, but the manner of his departure eroded much of the goodwill he had built among the Norwich faithful. Likewise, the club’s handling of the situation invited criticism, making it an uncomfortable episode for all involved.

Reflecting on Sargent’s Norwich numbers

On the pitch, Sargent’s overall contribution across his Norwich career was significant. In total, he made 157 appearances for the club, scoring 56 goals and registering 15 assists.

Those figures underline his importance during his time at Carrow Road. At his best, he was a focal point of the attack and a reliable source of goals. However, the final months of tension have undeniably complicated how his legacy will be viewed in Norfolk.

Toronto challenge awaits

With the move complete, Sargent’s attention now shifts fully to life in MLS. Toronto FC have already begun their campaign, though they have endured a difficult start with two defeats from two matches. They face FC Cincinnati next, providing Sargent with an immediate opportunity to make an impact in his new surroundings.

For the striker, the appeal is clear: regular football, a fresh environment, and distance from the controversy that consumed his final weeks in England.

Norwich reshaping their attack

Back at Norwich, attention has already turned to the next generation of forwards. Jovon Makama has stepped up impressively in Sargent’s absence, showing maturity and promise beyond his years. Meanwhile, winter arrival Mo Touré has also made a positive early impression since joining.

Touré has since found himself sidelined, leaving Mathias Kvistgaarden as the only fully fit senior striker in the squad. The Dane’s debut season with Norwich has been somewhat disrupted, yet his prior achievements and clear potential continue to generate optimism about his long-term impact.

In many respects, Norwich appear well positioned to transition into a new attacking era. The emergence of younger options and the financial injection from Sargent’s sale provide both sporting and economic breathing room.

A chapter closed for both sides

For Sargent, the priority is simple: playing regularly and rediscovering his best form. For Norwich, the focus lies in rebuilding harmony and pushing forward without distraction.

While the circumstances of the split were far from ideal, both parties now have the opportunity to reset. Sargent has achieved the move he sought, and Norwich have secured a substantial fee while accelerating the development of new attacking talents.

Ultimately, what could have been a fond farewell turned into a public saga. Yet with the deal now completed, the narrative shifts toward fresh beginnings — in Toronto for Sargent, and in Norfolk for a club determined to move ahead without him.