The Sheffield Wednesday Supporters’ Trust has officially resigned from the Fan Engagement Panel, citing serious concerns about how the group is being run — and their ongoing inability to have meaningful dialogue with club owner Dejphon Chansiri.
This move follows months of tension between fan representatives and the club’s hierarchy, with the Trust stating that the panel has become “untenable.”
Overview
In a public statement, the Sheffield Wednesday Supporters’ Trust confirmed that they have formally stepped down from the club’s official Fan Engagement Panel.
The panel, which was created to encourage open dialogue between the club and its supporters, has been under scrutiny for some time. The Trust says the panel no longer serves its purpose, citing a lack of structure, genuine engagement, and transparency.
While this resignation is official now, many Wednesday fans will say it was inevitable — particularly given the Trust’s long-standing friction with Chansiri and the wider culture of miscommunication under his leadership.
What You Need to Know
- The Sheffield Wednesday Trust has officially left the Fan Engagement Panel.
- The Trust says the panel no longer functions in a meaningful or effective way.
- Concerns include lack of clarity, transparency, and proper structure.
- Other fan groups have also raised issues with Chansiri’s engagement.
- The decision was voted on by Trust members and passed unanimously.
Key Talking Points
- Breakdown of dialogue:
The Trust believes the panel has “lost its value,” with meetings becoming unproductive. - Chansiri’s leadership style:
The statement indirectly criticises Chansiri’s unwillingness to allow honest, two-way communication. - Lack of trust in process:
With no structured framework or clear expectations, the panel has reportedly become a box-ticking exercise. - Wider frustration:
Other supporter groups have also expressed dissatisfaction with the engagement process. - Vote by members:
The resignation wasn’t just a board decision — it was backed by the wider Trust membership.
Our Take
This was always going to happen.
The Trust have been very vocal about their frustrations dealing with Chansiri — not just through statements, but also in interviews and personal accounts. And honestly, not one person involved has had anything good to say about engaging with him.
It’s not just the Trust either. Other fan groups have echoed the same — these meetings drag on for hours, filled with monologues from Chansiri, and rarely result in meaningful answers. It’s basically a platform for him to vent, rather than listen.
This resignation is yet another example of how Chansiri is running the club. He’s not interested in progress. He’s not interested in transparency. And he’s definitely not interested in building real relationships with fans.
Yes, the Trust voted to step away — but let’s be honest, it would’ve happened anyway. The vote just sped things up.
The Fan Engagement Panel was meant to give supporters a voice — but if no one’s listening, what’s the point?
Do you think there’s still any value in these kinds of panels? Or is it time for a completely new model of fan involvement?
Let us know what you think over on our socials.
Note:
This article reflects our opinion based on publicly available reporting, official statements from the Sheffield Wednesday Supporters’ Trust, and the ongoing developments in the club’s supporter engagement approach.
