Farewell Milan Mandarić
Sheffield Wednesday fans are mourning the passing of former chairman Milan Mandarić — the man who helped save the club in its darkest hour. His impact on Wednesday, as well as English football more broadly, has been immense, and his legacy will be remembered far beyond Hillsborough.
Overview
Milan Mandarić, the Serbian-American businessman known for his charismatic leadership and commitment to football, has died at the age of 85. News of his passing broke over the weekend, prompting tributes from across the football world — and particularly from the clubs he helped reshape, including Portsmouth, Leicester City, and Sheffield Wednesday.
Mandarić bought Sheffield Wednesday in 2010 when the club was on the brink of administration. His time at Hillsborough brought both financial stability and optimism back to S6. He later sold the club in 2015 to current owner Dejphon Chansiri.
What You Need to Know
- Milan Mandarić passed away aged 85, with his death confirmed on Friday evening.
- He bought Sheffield Wednesday in 2010, rescuing the club from the brink of financial collapse.
- His leadership helped lay the foundation for the club’s eventual return to the Championship.
- Mandarić also owned Portsmouth and Leicester City, achieving major successes at both clubs.
- Tributes have poured in from across the football world, recognising his passion and legacy.
Our Take
It was a sad day hearing the news that Mandarić had passed away. I remember the day he saved us — it was a moment of hope during a time when it felt like everything was falling apart. He always came across as a warm and friendly man, and that seems to be the feedback from everyone who knew him.
I think every Wednesday fan will always remember him in a very positive way and will always be thankful for everything he did for us.
Thank you, Mandarić.
My thoughts are with his family and friends worldwide at this extremely difficult time.
Milan Mandarić wasn’t just a football owner — he was a figure of stability and belief when it was needed most. His time at Sheffield Wednesday may have been brief in the grand scheme of things, but it was transformative.
What are your memories of Mandarić’s time at Hillsborough? Join the conversation on our social channels.
Note
This article reflects our opinion based on publicly available reporting, commentary, and developments at the time of writing. Key insights have been drawn from coverage by outlets such as BBC Sport, The Star, and the official Sheffield Wednesday website.
