Sheffield Wednesday fans have made their voices heard in dramatic fashion, with Australia’s wealthiest woman, Gina Rinehart, emerging as the overwhelming favourite to take control of the troubled club. In a fan poll that has quickly caught national attention, Rinehart secured 60% of the votes, while former Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley received 40%, sparking a heated debate across English football circles.
The poll comes amid the club’s ongoing administrative crisis and intense speculation surrounding its future ownership. Both Rinehart and Ashley have been linked with major bids — Ashley reportedly tabling a £10 million offer, while Rinehart’s team has vowed to match or even surpass any bid to secure full control of the Yorkshire club.
However, the results have sharply divided opinions. Several football pundits and experts have weighed in, questioning the fans’ decision to back a billionaire businesswoman with no prior football ownership experience.
“Those who want a woman who knows next to nothing about football don’t have the club’s best interest at heart,” one analyst commented on TalkSport. “Running a football club isn’t the same as running a mining empire — it takes football intelligence, community understanding, and years of experience.”
Others, however, have strongly supported the fans’ decision, insisting that Mike Ashley’s controversial tenure at Newcastle United remains a cautionary tale for any club seeking new ownership. Critics have accused Ashley of prioritizing profit over ambition during his time at St. James’ Park, with one fan on social media writing:
“We don’t need another Chansiri — another businessman who doesn’t understand passion. Rinehart might be new, but at least she seems genuinely committed.”
According to sources close to her negotiation team, Rinehart plans to revamp the club’s structure from top to bottom, focusing on financial stability, modern infrastructure, and global scouting. One member of her camp, Michael Jones, previously stated that she “wants to take Wednesday back to where it belongs — in the Premier League.”
Meanwhile, Ashley has remained silent in recent days, though insiders suggest he remains “very much in the race.” His camp believes his experience in football management and commercial acumen could help stabilize Wednesday quickly.
With the administrators expected to announce a preferred bidder in the coming weeks, Sheffield Wednesday fans now face an anxious wait to see who will ultimately take charge of their beloved club.
For now, one thing is certain — the battle between experience and fresh ambition has captured the imagination of the football world, and whichever direction the club goes next could define its destiny for years to come.
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