Dejphon Chansiri issues letter to Sheffield Wednesday fans with apology but demands respect ahead of a planned protest on Saturday.
In it, the owner and chairman addressed recent issues surrounding the club with an apology and a commitment to transparency, while also acknowledging his imperfections as an owner, but emphasised his dedication to the club’s survival, growth, and stability, both on and off the field.
Chansiri however refuted claims of playing games with the situation, stating that he always communicates problems honestly, even if the answers are not what fans want to hear.
He addresses criticism, accepting respectful feedback while urging fans to be cautious of misinformation and unverified speculation, particularly on social media.
Chansiri confirms that players were paid late and apologises, noting that most back-office staff were paid, with partial payments to ten senior staff resolved quickly. He also asks fans to keep an open mind about rumours concerning the coach and the club’s future, reiterating that his decisions prioritise Sheffield Wednesday’s best interests.
Chansiri clarified his stance on ownership, expressing his love for the club and lack of intent to sell. But, he is open to stepping aside if a suitable buyer emerges who can advance the club, emphasising that any sale must involve the right people, not just the right price.
He denied rumours of substantial takeover offers, explaining that while there has been interest, no concrete proposals with proof of funds have materialised. He stressed that any potential deal would be conducted professionally through lawyers, not informal channels, and cites his own purchase of the club as an example of a trust-based process.
He refuted claims of obstructing progress and reaffirms his commitment to fight for the club as long as he remains in charge. Chansiri concludes by announcing a meeting with the Supporters Engagement Panel to discuss these matters further, promising clarity with the aid of an interpreter to ensure his words are accurately conveyed. The letter is signed with respect and gratitude.
A letter from the Chairman.#swfc
— Sheffield Wednesday (@swfc) April 12, 2025
CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT
I have decided to write this letter with respect and understanding of everyone’s feelings at this time.
I begin by saying sorry for this recent situation. It was never my intention for this to happen, I have always done the best I can and I will continue to do this whilever I am the owner and chairman of Sheffield Wednesday.
I am not a perfect owner and I have never claimed to be. I have seen the things that some have said about me but remember I am a human being too, and I will always try my best. What I have tried to do is keep our club alive with growth and a stable future, on and off the field.
Some have said I am playing a game with this situation but I can say this is not true, there is no benefit for anyone to do this. If there is a problem, I will say and I will say why. I don’t mind questions when they are said respectfully and the answers are not always what fans may want to hear, but they are the truth.
Over the years, I have personally supported our club without expecting or receiving any profits. I have never stopped loving or believing in our fans. I accept and understand that in this situation, there will be criticism for me. If this is done in a respectful manner I have no issue. I also understand that everyone can have different opinions of me, the coach, the players, anything…this is normal and I always listen to all voices with good intentions and an open mind.
At this time, there are many voices on social media and in the media about the situation of our club. Some voices have facts, some have strong opinions which I can accept, but some voices are the loudest because of misinformation and incorrect guidance.
I would always ask our fans to be mindful of unverified information and trends that are created to benefit certain parties. Managing a football club is not easy. Every decision is not to win today but to keep the club sustainable tomorrow.
I ask to keep an open mind regarding the truth, do not rely on unfounded speculation or rhetoric that some people may create. Yes it is true that the players were paid late and I am truly sorry for that. All back office staff were paid other than 10 senior people who were partly paid and this was resolved at the earliest possible time.
There is a lot of speculation regarding the coach, our relationship and the future, again I ask to you keep an open mind and repeat that anything that I do is in the best interests of Sheffield Wednesday.
I am still here for our club, for the future of all of us and please let me make my situation clear. I do not have the intention to sell, I love this club. But if today, tomorrow or another day in the future, if there is someone out there better, more suitable and has the potential to take care of our club, I am ready to pave the way for Sheffield Wednesday to move forward from a stronger position.
I am happy to leave if Sheffield Wednesday is left in a better place. It is not just about the price, it is about the right individual or group to take our club forward. And if someone was to come forward, I can assure you I am happy to listen and happy to talk.
We have all seen speculation and stories that a consortium or individual is ready to come in and take over. But I can guarantee there have been no offers at all. There has been some interest but nothing at all substantial that has been followed through. With any sale, it must be done the correct way – not through one of my people asking for a bank statement which again is not true – but through lawyers, with proof of funds and a tangible offer.
The word means more to me than the paper – there is no reason for an NDA or similar when that trust could easily be broken. I can say there was no NDA in place when I bought our club from Milan. The deal was done on trust from start to finish and behind the scenes, which is the correct and professional thing to do.
During this situation no one has come forward. To say I am in the way or I prevent this or prevent that, it is not true. This is the football business and I repeat if the right package is agreed, I will not be the one to stand in the way.
But as long as I am here, as long as there is still an opportunity, I will fight for you, for everyone connected to the club we all love.
I will meet the Supporters Engagement Panel next Tuesday and expand on all these topics. Some members of the panel have requested an emergency meeting and I have no problem with that. I will speak with an interpreter because I want to say exactly how it is, so my words are my words.
With respect and gratitude from the heart,
Dejphon Chansiri
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Twitter users reacted as Dejphon Chansiri issues a letter to fans with an apology but demands respect ahead of a planned protest…
@GrantR_1867: With respect Dejphon, a decade after you to took over, what exactly has improved or changed? We’re right where we were in 2015. The stadium is the same, the training ground is the same. Our team is made up of free’s and over the hill players. The academy still produces very little.. All that money and we’ve not moved..
@stebboswfc: If you “love” the club as much as you suggest. Your intention would be to sell it to someone who can progress it. Not staying here bouncing from one crisis to another. Sell the club.
@swfc2210:
Chansiri: “please remember, I am human to”
Also chansiri:
– tells us to pay an unpaid tax bill
– doesn’t pay wages to players & staff
– leaves academy in dark about future
– let’s crowds stand in stands which have been deemed unsafe
– priced fans out of attending games.
@jakerowl1: I see this one made it to twitter unlike the failure to pay players. How manipulative just before the game too. He’s on the ropes, get out of our club.
@LeighBron:
In this it is said that the club will be sold if there is proof that it will be in a better place. How can we be in a worse place???
Ground- derelict
Commercials- disgraceful
Reputation- damaged
Football- best manager unsupported
SELL THE CLUB.
@OwlPricey: “ I can say there was no NDA in place when I bought our club from Milan. The deal was done on trust from start to finish” That quote right there is the exact reason an NDA is needed.
@_Andy__Lee: Dejphon – you cannot run a football club with one person. It’s been a catalogue of failure and how not to operate. Brighton, Brentford, Ipswich etc have all shown the way. Your approach is not right. It’s time to go – actively look to sell. Sure Amadeu Paixao can help #swfc
@JaynieJayne1: “Respects the fans” but has never answered direct questions in a respectable & factual manner only to insult the fans and says it’s none of our business. That door swings both ways dude ⚽️🦉💙
@LeighBron: Don’t let the chairman’s “Woe is Me” act that he pulls out every three months distract from the diabolical state Sheffield Wednesday is in. If anything, this statement is an insult and nothing more than a ploy to stop the protest and turn our apathetic fan base. GET OUT.
@willfowler1867: Oh bore off, you can’t say you’re open to sell if the fans want you gone then go back on your words because everyone’s had enough of you. What future? We’re not going to have a future at this rate, he’s literally running us into the ground. #swfc
@SwfcGurny: “I am happy to leave if Sheffield Wednesday is left in a better place” I’m not sure how much worse it could get ffs
@ConorHill9: No one is interested in your apologies you’ve had ample opportunities over your 10 year custodianship to put things in place director of football head of recruitment. You continue to blame us “customers” for your failings. Sell up and go!!! #swfc #EnoughIsEnough
@Gothard_1986: You’ve NEVER tried your best, you’ve NEVER respected anyone, least of all our once proud club. Sheffield Wednesday has NEVER meant anything to you. Your sorry for nothing. Enough of lies, enough of the pathetic statements, enough of you ruining the club. Time to go!
@GazRobinson1: DC, I’m sure you’re a good husband, great father and decent bloke. Sadly you’re a terrible football club owner and that’s why we want change. It’s not personal it’s business… Actively look to sell the club. #swfc
@MattJohno1989: Oh the timing of this with peaceful protests planned is absolutely textbook Dejphon 😂😂 #swfc
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