Sheffield Wednesday’s EPL Absence to Stretch Into 26th Season

SHEFFIELD — Despite beating Middlesbrough 2-1 on Monday, Sheffield Wednesday’s hopes of promotion have officially ended. Following a string of poor results (including a draw and three losses over their last five), the Owls sit 13th in the table with 56 points – 10 behind the playoff threshold with only two matches left.

With this, Wednesday are mathematically incapable of reaching the playoffs, confirming what fans have feared for weeks: their 25-year absence from the Premier League will stretch into a 26th season.

Sheffield Wednesday last played Premier League football in the 1999–2000 season. Since then, no soccer club of comparable stature has endured such a long exile.

Nottingham Forest returned after 23 years. Leeds United made it back after 16. Even Sunderland and Ipswich are pushing upward. But Wednesday, despite several rebuilds and glimmers of resurgence, have repeatedly failed to mount a serious promotion challenge.

The Chansiri Era and Fan Frustration

Much of the criticism from supporters is aimed squarely at owner Dejphon Chansiri, who has presided over the club since 2015. His tenure has seen financial missteps, a transfer embargo, points deductions, and a disconnect with fans.

The #ChansiriOut movement continues to gain traction on social media. Fans argue the club has stagnated under his leadership, citing poor recruitment strategies, a lack of clear sporting vision, and decisions that have driven the club backward rather than forward.

From Wembley to Wasteland

Perhaps the most painful chapter of recent memory came in 2016, when Wednesday came within 90 minutes of a Premier League return, losing 1-0 to Hull City in the playoff final at Wembley. Since then, the team has dropped to League One, clawed its way back, and now languishes mid-table in the Championship.

Getting back to the top flight will require more than a managerial change or a strong summer transfer window. Supporters point to the need for new ownership or investment as well as a long-term sporting director and manager duo with a cohesive plan.

Add in a subpar youth pipeline compared to rivals, development and scouting also need to even think about rebuilding one of the most loyal and vocal fan bases in England.

For now, Sheffield Wednesday fans face another offseason of questions and disappointment.