Mike Ashley reveals the message he received from Dejphon Chansiri that has made him reluctant to bid for full takeover
Mike Ashley Reveals Message From Dejphon Chansiri That Made Him Hesitant to Pursue Full Sheffield Wednesday Takeover
Mike Ashley has revealed that a message he received directly from Sheffield Wednesday owner Dejphon Chansiri caused him to reconsider plans for a full takeover of the Championship club. The billionaire businessman, long linked with potential acquisition talks, said the communication “changed the tone” of negotiations and made him question the stability of the transition.
A Deal Under Consideration
Ashley, who has been monitoring Wednesday’s precarious financial situation, was understood to be among the most serious parties willing to explore a full buyout. Early stages of due diligence reportedly left the door open for negotiations, and his camp was preparing to advance discussions.
However, Ashley now says that a private message from Chansiri gave him pause at a critical moment in the process.
The Message That Shifted His Thinking
According to Ashley, Chansiri reached out personally, sending what Ashley described as “a very pointed message” about the consequences of taking over a club in turmoil.
Ashley explained:
“I’ll be honest — I nearly did it. I nearly put forward a full offer. But then I got a message from Dejphon that made me stop cold. He told me, ‘If you take over, Wednesday will be in your hands. But if you fail, the blame will be yours alone.’ That line stuck with me. It wasn’t negotiation — it was a warning. And I took it seriously.”
He added that the wording of Chansiri’s message suggested that once new ownership stepped in, the outgoing ownership would take no responsibility for any future setbacks or instability.
Weighing the Risks
Sources close to the situation say Ashley had concerns about several aspects of the club’s current state, including outstanding liabilities and the level of operational restructuring required after years of financial strain. The message, Ashley said, intensified those concerns.
“Anyone taking over a club needs clarity,” he said. “That message created uncertainty at a time when certainty was essential.”
Ashley reportedly sought additional guarantees regarding the club’s existing obligations, ownership transition, and post-sale protections. Without those assurances, he has opted to pause any immediate takeover approach.
Chansiri’s Position
The Sheffield Wednesday chairman has not commented publicly on Ashley’s remarks, but people close to the club indicate that Chansiri remains open to discussions with credible investors. The owner has faced ongoing pressure from supporters over the club’s financial instability and its struggle to re-establish stable footing on and off the pitch.
What This Means for Sheffield Wednesday
Ashley’s hesitation leaves the club’s ownership situation unresolved at a crucial moment. With Wednesday continuing to navigate financial pressures, the lack of a confirmed buyer prolongs uncertainty heading into the next phase of planning.
Fan groups have expressed mixed reactions — some viewing Ashley as a stabilising figure with the resources to steady the club, while others remain wary of his track record and approach to football management.
The Door Not Fully Closed
Despite his reluctance following the message, Ashley has not entirely ruled out revisiting the possibility of a takeover, provided conditions can be clarified and risk properly assessed.
As he concluded:
“I’m not afraid of a challenge. But if I take something on, it needs to be done right. For the club, for the supporters, and for everyone involved.”