Exclusive: US Tech Multi-Millionaire Dave Richards Ready to Battle Mike Ashley to Become New Sheffield Wednesday Owner

Dave Richards, the US based tech multi-millionaire, is Mike Ashley’s biggest rival in the battle to become Sheffield Wednesday’s new owner, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

Although Ashley has been touted as Dejphon Chanisiri’s most likely successor, given his ability to not only provide proof of funds but also the fact he would essentially be a cash buyer, sources at Hillsborough last night reported that Richards remains a serious player in the battle to seize control of the financially stricken club.

Now based Stateside but born in Sheffield, Richards is believed to be a more serious option than former Crystal Palace investor John Textor despite the latter’s long-term interest.

That is because the English Football League, who would prefer not to see one of their biggest names slide into oblivion, are keen to help facilitate a quick sale and are likely to require Textor to explain his involvement in the likes of Lyon, Botofogo and RWDM Brussels before approving his candidacy.

That suits both Richards, who made his fortune via computer systems firm Wandisco, and high-street retail giant Ashley. 

The latter is poised to submit an initial £10m offer to Wednesday’s administrators, who were appointed when Chansiri’s controversial stewardship of the three time FA Cup winners collapsed under the weight of mounting debt, unpaid wages and unfulfilled obligations to other teams. 

But Richards also remains in close contact with Begbies Traynor and has impressed senior figures behind the scenes at Wednesday with both his sporting strategy and wealth.

LONG-SUFFERING

He would also be a popular choice among their long-suffering support base, given that he originally hails from the city and is thought to be a lifelong fan having also provided backing through a sponsorship arrangement in the past.

Unlike Ashley, Richards is believed to have started building relationships with members of Wednesday’s footballing and administrative departments during the dying embers of Chansiri’s reign - when protests and boycotts culminated with Henrik Pedersen’s side playing in front of a near empty stadium.

Since the Thai’s departure, hundreds of thousands of pounds have poured back into Wednesday’s coffers as supporters snap-up tickets and merchandise - something which allowed Begbies Traynor to pay salaries a day early last month.

Richards hopes the connections he has made, both at Wednesday and the EFL, will put him in pole position to takeover when a decision on Chansiri’s successor is made. 

After receiving expressions of backing from several other parties keen to pump money into Wednesday, he has also made it privately known that funds will be placed at Pedersen’s disposal during the January transfer window should he receive the greenlight to replace Chansiri from the administrators and the EFL.