Sheffield Wednesday players hailed for "damning" message that Dejphon Chansiri "cannot ignore" | OneFootball

FLW's Sheffield Wednesday expert Patrick McKenna has hailed his club's players for the joint statement they released about the current situation.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Sheffield Wednesday stars have released a collective statement on behalf of everyone at the club, as late wage payments continue to have a very real impact on staff members' lives.

Dejphon Chansiri's irresponsible actions at the helm of the Yorkshire-based club have continued for far too long, and now the Owls' players have spoken out about their concerns, as wage payments continue to arrive late.

For players and non-playing staff alike, this is causing serious financial worry, as they've been left in the dark as to what's going on behind the scenes.

The Owls managed to lock down club legend Barry Bannan to a new deal in a brief moment of joy, but the gloomy times around the club have continued after that, as the players withdrew from a planned pre-season friendly against Burnley.

Sheffield Wednesday's season kicks off against Leicester City in a matter of days, leading some to believe there could well be a strike on the cards if the situation hasn't progressed towards a conclusion by Saturday.

Sheffield Wednesday players hailed for "fantastic statement"

Following the release of the statement on Monday, Football League World spoke to their resident Sheffield Wednesday expert, Patrick McKenna, asking him about his thoughts on the open letter, and the impact it could have.

Patrick told us: "In regards to the statement the Sheffield Wednesday player put out, I think it's a fantastic statement.

"It's really well written and really damning as a direct message to Dejphon Chansiri.

"The players aren't going to back down, and simply take this current situation where they aren't getting paid, and they are just completely left in the dark.

"Another brilliant thing about the letter is how they're standing up for the non-playing staff as well, because they may get forgotten in all of this, but they aren't getting paid either, which will be causing them real financial worry.

"So I think something like this is needed because currently our plight is getting picked up more in the mainstream media," he concluded.

Strike for Leicester City opener "not an empty threat"

With the friendly against Burnley cancelled due to the players' decision to withdraw, it remains unclear whether the Wednesday stars will take to the pitch in Leicester on Saturday, with a sold-out away end set to stage protests.

Patrick also discussed the possibility of this happening, telling FLW: "This is a real message to Chansiri he cannot ignore, and encouraging more and more people to what's happening at Sheffield Wednesday.

"It's quite clear from the letter that there's going to be no backing down from the players. Unless this situation gets resolved and people get paid and get told what's happening, a strike for the Leicester game is real. It's not just an empty threat.

"The pressure is being piled on Chansiri. It's a really fantastic letter by the players and of course, if it does come to the players striking and not playng the game, I am 110% behind them."

The statement from the players is truly a testament to the unity between the fans and the staff, who are all working hard to convince one man to do the right thing. One man who has so many people's livelihoods and jobs completely under his control.

With protests planned