Sheffield Wednesday supporter group speak on plans after ‘successful’ protest

A Sheffield Wednesday supporter group plan to build on the ‘massive success’ following a flyer display in the game against Birmingham last week.

The 1867 group, who organised the protest, have announced they are considering plans for future actions, and have not ruled out more extreme protests if their ownership situation remains unchanged.   

Jim Wiltshire, a member of the 1867 group, said: “We have got plans to build on what we’ve already done. Whether another flyer protest is the right step, I’m not entirely sure. 

“We have some very good ideas, the problem is that it costs money which we don’t like to keep asking the fans for. However I’ve received loads of messages from fans asking for another GoFundme to be set up to donate to.”

Friday’s match marked their second protest, following on from tennis balls being thrown onto the pitch during Wednesday’s 1-1 draw against Middlesbrough in 2023. 

Mr Wiltshire said: “Some people are calling for some more radical action. We’ve listened to what our fans have said about not wanting games disrupted so we don’t massively want to interfere with them again but never say never.

“If relegation gets confirmed early we may look to something a little bit more disruptive but we have to be mindful to not damage the good will that we share with the fans at the moment.”

After the game, they gained over 400 signatures on their petition against the current ownership. 

Mr Wiltshire said: “Now we’re going to try and push the petition even more. Once we’ve hit a certain figure, we plan to print it out and hand deliver it to Mr Chansiri so he can’t avoid it.”

Around 3000 flyers were distributed by 25 volunteers to the Wednesday fans prior to kick off.

Was glad to volunteer to this cause and it went so well, me and my son Warren shifted 1000 flyers in around 1 hour, some in the pubs we frequented and the rest around leppings Lane, Riverside pub, we had no abuse and most people took them off us.
Felt proud to be a wednesdayite.

— Seamus (@watto1867) February 10, 2024

Matt Weston, a Sheffield Wednesday fan, said: “I wasn’t aware of the protests beforehand but once you got outside the ground on matchday it was impossible to miss. Everyone in sight seemed to have a leaflet in their hand. I don’t think I’ve seen the fan base this together since we got promoted.”

Sheffield Wednesday were approached for a comment but have not responded.