Dejphon Chansiri targets Premier League by 2017 for Sheffield Wednesday
Monday 2 March 2015 14:52, UK
Dejphon Chansiri has set his sights on getting Sheffield Wednesday back into the Premier League after officially taking the reins at Hillsborough.
Chansiri's £30m takeover has been ratified by the Football League and he was joined by outgoing chairman Milan Mandaric at a press conference on Monday morning, where he outlined his short and long-term plans.
Wednesday celebrate their 150th anniversary in 2017 and the Thai businessman wants to see them back in England's top division by the end of the 2016-17 season.
Tradition
"I want to get Sheffield Wednesday back in the Premier League and make the supporters of this club proud," Chansiri said.
"This club is steeped in history and tradition and will soon be celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2017.
"I would like that year to coincide with a return to the Premier League and celebrate the two together.
“I promise the supporters I will do the very best within my powers to get this club back where it belongs.”
Enthusiasm
Mandaric added: “Straight away after meeting Mr Chansiri, I knew I was dealing with a winner. He has enthusiasm for this job and I am confident he will be a top chairman.
"I am not getting the champagne out or anything like that because as I have said before, I am not desperate to leave this wonderful club.
"But as I always said, if someone can come along and accelerate the process to take Sheffield Wednesday into the Premier League, I would step aside. That time has now arrived."
Smart business
Chansiri also offered his backing to Wednesday boss Stuart Gray and promised him "intelligent" backing in the transfer market this summer.
“I’ve met Stuart Gray. He’s a good man, he’s very knowledgeable about football and very competitive,” he added.
“I’m very happy with him, with what he’s done so far and today I give him my full support. We’re looking at making all the necessary investments to get the club back up into the Premier League.
“At the end of the season we will evaluate the players and also the market with consultation of the manager and the staff.
“I believe there needs to be some investment into the club but just throwing money is not a guarantee of success. We need to do it in a smart, sustainable manner."
