Below is an update from The Sheffield Wednesday Supporters’ Trust on a few items that we think will interest the Trust’s members and the broader fan base.
Thank you, Darren, welcome Xisco!
We want to place on record our thanks to Darren Moore for a memorable 2022-23 season, during which the Club broke records, staged a remarkable comeback and finally got promoted back into the Championship – it was a fantastic combined effort from Darren, the players, staff and fans, and a season that many Owls will look back on fondly in years to come.
We now look forward to the 2023-24 season under Xisco Muñoz, and we wish him well as he begins to understand the Club, the players and our massive fan base.
Fans forum
At the Fans Forum on 20 June 2023, it was good for fans to hear from the Chairman directly, and the Trust welcomes Mr Chansiri’s willingness to engage face-to-face with fans. Clearly, given that the forum closely coincided with the news of Darren Moore’s departure, many questions were raised, and these were followed up in a written Q&A dated 23 June 2023, which can be found on the Club’s website. During the forum, we understand that the Chairman mentioned the role of the Trust and asked that a message is passed to us in this respect. We can confirm that we have since contacted the Club to acknowledge receipt of the Chairman’s message and that we are always willing to meet him face-to-face to clarify our role and help the Club in any way we can.
We also note that the Chairman is to hold a Fans Forum on 12 July 2023 for Young Owls – again, this is a positive step from Mr Chansiri that should enable him to better understand a specific section of the fan base.
Ticket prices
We are aware of recent commentary regarding ticket prices for the 2023-24 season, including
season tickets and match-day ticket prices. Our statement regarding season tickets was issued on
3 May 2023, see the link below:
https://www.swfctrust.co.uk/news/season-tickets-2023-statemt
In late 2020 and early 2021, we produced two research reports regarding season ticket prices. These reports can be found on our website. In addition, in response to a general request to all EFL Supporters’ Trusts, we provided details of the Club’s season tickets prices to the Football Supporters Association (FSA), and we understand that the FSA is looking to publish a report regarding season ticket prices through the lens of the cost-of-living crisis. The Trust awaits this report with interest.
The themes contained in our 3 May 2023 statement also apply to match day ticket prices. Specifically, we feel that the price hike could exclude many fans from attending matches, and we are keen to understand whether the Club’s Supporters Engagement Panel was consulted on the higher prices before publication. As committed supporters, the Trust’s view is that involving fan representatives in such discussions is vital for fostering a stronger connection between the Club and its supporters.
Note that the Trust is currently not part of the Engagement Panel, a position which has existed since August 2021. Earlier this year, and following the election of new Board members, the Trust contacted the Engagement Panel to seek to be re-admitted to the Panel; whilst this was declined, there was a commitment from the Panel to review this position in early 2024.
Community projects and relationships with other Fan Groups
The Trust is committed to building connections within the local community and forming solid relationships with other fan groups. For example, we are actively working with students from the local Universities and on several community projects to impact the City of Sheffield and beyond positively. We have also had a recent engagement with the newly formed Rainbow Owls and the SWFC Women’s Supporters Group, both of whom are now associated with the FSA; links to the websites and social media of these groups can be found below:
- Rainbow Owls:
https://rainbowowls.wixsite.com/rainbow-owls
@LGBT_Owls on Twitter
- SWFC Women’s Supporters Group:
@SWFCwsg on Twitter
As a reference, a link to the FSA’s website, which contains a list of Affiliates and Associates, is
here: https://thefsa.org.uk/about/affiliates-and-associates/
By collaborating with other fan groups, the Trust can amplify the voice of fans and drive positive change for everyone connected with Sheffield Wednesday Football Club.
AGM on 19 July 2023 at 7 pm
The Trust is scheduled to hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM) via Zoom on Wednesday, 19 July. During this meeting, a new Board will be formed; following the recent elections, this will comprise a few existing Board members and some new faces. A copy of the agenda and accompanying papers relating to the AGM can be found via the link below:
https://www.swfctrust.co.uk/electionsandagm
In addition, we would appreciate any discussion at the AGM regarding the various items covered in this update.
Join the Trust
We want to encourage as many fans as possible to become members of the Trust, to give some unity to the fan base and to help promote collective action where it is thought needed. As a reminder, the Trust is committed to open communication, transparency, and community involvement. For just £10 a year, a price that hasn’t changed since the Trust was formed in 2020, you can become a member of the Trust via the link below:
https://www.swfctrust.co.uk/join-us
Volunteers run the Trust, so the time available beyond our work and life commitments to manage the Trust can sometimes be limited. However, we aim to do our best to understand any concerns raised by fans (e.g. ticket prices), seek positive change within our local community and look to shape the future of Sheffield Wednesday Football Club. As a reference, a link to the complete set of the Trust’s aims can be found here: https://www.swfctrust.co.uk/aims
Join The Trust