Former Aston Villa and Sheffield United midfielder Lee Hendrie has stirred debate across South Yorkshire after urging Sheffield Wednesday fans to “ignore the noise” surrounding Mike Ashley’s rumored takeover, despite strong warnings from Newcastle United supporters.
Reports from journalist Alan Biggs earlier this week revealed that the former Newcastle United and Rangers owner is among the leading candidates interested in purchasing the Owls from current chairman Dejphon Chansiri, whose turbulent reign has left the club in deep financial and structural turmoil.
Ashley, the billionaire founder of Frasers Group — which owns Sports Direct and House of Fraser — has a controversial reputation in football circles. While some view him as a pragmatic businessman capable of stabilizing struggling clubs, others recall his time at Newcastle as one filled with fan protests, poor communication, and limited ambition.
However, Hendrie insists that Sheffield Wednesday should not be swayed by Newcastle fans’ bitter experiences, arguing that Ashley’s business know-how could be exactly what the crisis-hit club needs right now.
“I think this would be a real good situation if it’s the case that Ashley can,” Hendrie told Football League World.
“Obviously he’s been linked with Sheffield Wednesday, and it needs to be resolved. I think Mike Ashley knows the inside and out of businesses and football clubs, knowing he’s had that experience of being around that. So I think that’d be really good for Sheffield Wednesday. It does need to get resolved though, sooner rather than later.”
Hendrie’s comments come in stark contrast to the passionate warnings issued by Newcastle United fans last week, who urged Wednesday supporters to “stay well clear” of Ashley, describing him as “a cancer to any club he touches” and “a businessman who puts profit before passion.”
Sheffield Wednesday fans have grown increasingly desperate for change, with Chansiri’s ownership now synonymous with unpaid wages, unpaid staff, and broken promises. The club has been hit by multiple off-field crises in recent months — including the departures of key figures such as Josh Windass and respected head coach Danny Röhl — all amid growing financial instability.
On the pitch, things haven’t fared much better. Under new manager Henrik Pedersen, the Owls sit 23rd in the Championship with just six points from nine games, though they remain only one point away from safety — and notably still above bitter rivals Sheffield United.
For many Wednesday fans, the potential arrival of Ashley represents a “necessary evil” — a chance at stability after years of chaos under Chansiri. But for others, his reputation from Newcastle and Rangers days remains a major concern.
As the ownership saga continues to unfold, the fanbase remains divided. One thing, however, is clear — Sheffield Wednesday’s future must be resolved quickly, before their off-field crisis completely derails their Championship survival hopes.
The Owls return to action on October 18, when they travel to face Charlton Athletic at The Valley — a match that could take place under the shadow of one of the most talked-about potential takeovers in English football.
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