Exclusive: Don Goodman reacts to "shambolic" Sheffield Wednesday news | OneFootball

Don Goodman slams Sheffield Wednesday’s “shambolic” situation as unpaid wages spark fears of a mass player exit and EFL sanctions.

As chaos continues behind the scenes at Hillsborough, Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman says the situation is “shambolic” and fears the Owls could be in for a long and painful season.

With players still going unpaid, a growing number of senior stars eyeing exits, and further EFL sanctions looming, Sheffield Wednesday are in crisis.

The latest financial failure, wages not being paid on time for the third time in four months, could see several first-team players walk away for free this month.

It’s a spiralling situation, and one that Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman believes could push the club to the brink.

Owls at risk of player walkout amid unpaid wages

According to The Star, some of Wednesday’s senior playing staff have not received their June salaries, meaning the club is now at risk of breaching contracts for two consecutive months.

Under EFL regulations, this opens the door for players to hand in their notice and walk away without transfer fees. As of now, Barry Bannan is no longer a Wednesday player, while manager Danny Röhl is reportedly seeking an exit.

The Owls have already been hit with a three-window transfer ban and face the possibility of even harsher penalties, including points deductions or a lengthened embargo.

Don Goodman: “The fans don’t deserve this mess”

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Goodman was asked whether Wednesday are in for a tough period, and didn’t mince his words when asked whether Sheffield Wednesday are in serious danger next season.

“Obviously, we’ve been doing so much talking about Sheffield Wednesday since the end of last season. The situation is a real mess,” Goodman said.

“And the last thing they can afford to be doing is losing some of their best players, particularly on free transfers. It’s just shambolic really, and the answer to the question is yes. I do fear for Sheffield Wednesday next season if this situation continues much longer and they keep losing their best players. It’s the fans I feel sorry for the most.

"It’s a brilliant football club and like several others, the fans don’t deserve the turmoil that is being bestowed upon them.”

Takeover tensions and financial chaos deepen at Hillsborough

Club chairman Dejphon Chansiri remains at the heart of the turmoil. With the club needing a reported £5 million injection to stay afloat, Chansiri rejected two offers from an American consortium, despite growing fan anger.

The Athletic were told by one of its co-leaders, Sheffield-born Adam Shaw, that the bids ranged from £48m to £55m. Chansiri has publicly disputed those numbers and insists he will only sell if his valuation, reportedly including future incentives, is met.

Meanwhile, the club's staff, including some Under-21 coaches and full-time workers, have also reportedly gone unpaid or received salaries late in recent months.

What comes next for Wednesday

With their squad decimated, manager uncertain, and finances in disarray, Sheffield Wednesday head into pre-season with more questions than answers.

If the club fails to resolve its internal crisis soon, the 2025/26 campaign could turn into a relegation battle before a ball is even kicked.