Even if the takeover is completed, the Owls face a difficult rebuild. They are expected to begin life in EFL League One next season with a 15-point deduction and strict wage limits capped at £7,000 per week.
🦉 ‘Top of the List’: David Storch Targets Major Identity Shift at Sheffield Wednesday
A potential new era could be on the horizon at Sheffield Wednesday, as prospective chairman David Storch has revealed one of his boldest ideas yet — a possible club badge redesign.
Storch, who has recently been named the preferred bidder by administrators Begbies Traynor, is wasting no time in outlining his vision for the Owls amid a prolonged and uncertain takeover process.
Identity Change “Top of the List”
Speaking on BBC Radio Sheffield, Storch hinted that refreshing the club’s identity could be a key early move if his takeover is completed. Central to that idea is a return to a more traditional badge — specifically the iconic black and yellow owl crest used between 1984 and 1995.
That period remains one of the most successful in the club’s history, including their triumph in the EFL Cup in 1991 and a strong top-flight finish in 1992. Storch’s admiration for that era appears to be driving his desire to reconnect the club with its heritage.
Club in Crisis On and Off the Pitch
The proposed changes come at a time of deep uncertainty for Sheffield Wednesday. The club has endured a turbulent campaign, already relegated from the EFL Championship following a damaging 18-point deduction linked to financial breaches.
Their on-field struggles have mirrored chaos behind the scenes, with former owner Dejphon Chansiri stepping down last October amid mounting pressure and financial concerns.
Storch’s bid, backed by Arise Capital Partners LLC, was chosen ahead of other interested parties — including Mike Ashley — despite reportedly falling short of the £30 million required to fully settle the club’s debts.
Tough Road Ahead
Even if the takeover is completed, the Owls face a difficult rebuild. They are expected to begin life in EFL League One next season with a 15-point deduction and strict wage limits capped at £7,000 per week.
However, Storch is aiming to finalise the deal by May, giving the club a chance to regroup and prepare properly for the challenges ahead.
More Than Just a Badge
While a crest change might seem symbolic, it reflects a broader ambition to reset the club’s identity after one of the most turbulent periods in its history. For long-suffering Wednesday fans, a return to a beloved badge could represent more than nostalgia — it could signal the beginning of a long-awaited revival.
