Meeting with the Storch-Costin Group

SWFC fans are encouraged to listen to the interview David Storch conducted with Rob Staton on BBC Radio Sheffield, and to read the subsequent write-up on BBC Sport. The key messages delivered publicly to the wider fanbase were consistent with those shared with us in our meeting.

The Sheffield Wednesday Supporters’ Trust was privileged to spend just over two hours on Tuesday 10 March with David Storch, his son Michael, and Tom Costin, all of whom gave permission for us to update our members.

David, Michael and Tom were warm, engaging, passionate and genuinely interested - a stark contrast to our previous owner. They described how they see themselves not as owners, but as custodians of Sheffield Wednesday, and showed a clear awareness of the responsibility that comes with being entrusted with one of the oldest football clubs in the world.

They spoke about their experience at the Norwich game in November 2025, which they described as the moment they fell in love with Sheffield Wednesday and became determined to help restore the club to its former glories. They were astonished that 28,500 supporters would attend a midweek game given the difficult circumstances surrounding the team. Tom also spoke about the emotion he felt witnessing our fans at Derby away, standing by the club in the face of such adversity.

They were genuinely interested in supporters’ views on a range of issues, including the club badge and stadium improvements, both of which were discussed at length.

They explained that, at the core of their project, will be the fans, the community, the club’s history and its traditions. Under their leadership, Sheffield Wednesday would work with, rather than against, local businesses and the wider community. Their vision is one in which the dynamism of American entrepreneurial spirit is aligned with local knowledge, local talent and the identity of Sheffield Wednesday. Heroes from the club’s past would be welcomed back with open arms and embraced, rather than shut out as they were under the previous regime.

David Storch also told us that he had distributed the “A Better Wednesday” document, which was adopted by the Trust in May 2025, to all members of his consortium, even the accountants - and ensured that it had been read.

Investment, we were told, would be made not only in players, but also in infrastructure. The ownership group itself is expected to evolve over time as new strategic investors are brought on board. It was indicated to us that this is entirely normal in modern football, as ownership groups raise capital and access strategic resources as projects and needs develop.

There will also be a notable reorganisation of Sheffield Wednesday as a business. A new senior leadership team will be recruited and installed at the club, commercial performance will be strengthened, and structures will be put in place to support sustainable and resilient long-term growth. We were told there would be a Board of Directors. It was also discussed how they want to improve the matchday experience so that Hillsborough becomes a place where supporters actively want to spend time with friends and family.

We were also informed that the EFL’s proposed 15-point deduction will be challenged vigorously, with legal counsel having been engaged to act in this matter even before the Storch-Costin Group became preferred bidders.

Overall, the Trust left the meeting feeling extremely positive about the future. We wish the Storch-Costin Group every success in their engagement with the relevant authorities in the coming weeks, and we look forward to working with them as owners of Sheffield Wednesday in the near future.