Owls Reject Hobson Approach

Wednesday have rejected an offer from boxing promoter and Wednesday fan Dennis Hobson for a place on the Owls' board in exchange for funds to strengthen the playing squad.

Die-hard Owl Hobson has long been interested in becoming involved with the club, with a Jersey-based consortium also invovled, for a while and has upped his efforts following the departure of former chairman Dave Allen.

But after offering the Owls the funds to sign former loanees Michael Johnson and Graham Kavanagh in exchange for a place on the club board to offer his expertise, Hobson has been turned away once again.

A statement from the Hobson camp read: 'Last week, I followed up a friendly telephone call with club CEO Kaven Walker by e-mail confirming my brother`s and my willingness to fund the loan signings of Michael Johnson and Graham Kavanagh between now and the end of the season, or similar spend on any other player(s) required by team manager Brian Laws.

'Also, I confirmed our agreement in principle to give reasonable financial assistance to the club to achieve satisfactory closure of all the legal actions against fans. Unlike the club`s Directors who have provided interest bearing loans to the club which have to be repaid, this money (which we estimate will be around a quarter of a million pounds) was offered as a gift and we didn't want it back.

'In return, I asked for a seat on the SWFC board as I believe there is clear need for a new face with fresh ideas. I have extensive contacts, know-how and experience in the sporting world generally and I want to bring this to bear for the benefit of the club.

'Yesterday, Kaven Walker e-mailed me to confirm that the club`s PLC directors (Geoff Hulley, Ken Cooke and Bob Grierson) are willing to accept my money but will not agree to my joining the Board.'

In the statement, Hobson has also aired his fears over the Owls' possible relegation to League One should boss Brian Laws not receive the necessary funds to strengthen his squad before the close of the January transfer window.

He also revealed that he'd be willing to 'give reasonable financial assistance to the club to achieve satisfactory closure of all the legal actions against fans' as a gift, without wanting the money back.

And despite the knockback from the club, Hobson insists he and his brother will still be willing to sit down and talk to the club at short notice to try and help out financially.