Charlie Methven linked to a new Sheffield Wednesday bid amid an accelerated takeover process at the Championship club.

A consortium involving former Sunderland chief executive Charlie Methven has renewed its interest in a takeover of Sheffield Wednesday, according to a report from The Echo’s sister title, The Sheffield Star.

The Star reports that a Methven-led group was among a number of parties to engage in the initial process, although it remains unclear how far their previous interest progressed. The group were not involved in the latter stages, which saw three bidders reach the final phase before a James Bord-led consortium was named preferred bidder by administrators Begbies Traynor on Christmas Eve. That deal subsequently collapsed.

Following the breakdown of the Bord bid, Begbies Traynor informed supporters and creditors that an accelerated process would now take place to identify a new preferred bidder. The Star states that the Storch Group and Mike Ashley are understood to have resumed discussions, having been heavily involved prior to Christmas.

However, a source connected to the Methven-backed bid has suggested to The Star that while interest remains strong, the group may be facing time constraints. With rival bidders having progressed further during the original process, there are concerns about whether sufficient due diligence can be completed in time to submit a fully costed and competitive offer.

The Star states that administrators had been hoping to receive a fresh round of bids this week following the collapse of the Bord deal. BBC Sheffield has also reported that, in addition to Ashley and Storch, two further unnamed parties have entered the frame - one of which appears to be the Methven-linked consortium. Methven led Sunderland between May 2018 and December 2019 and later served as chief executive of Charlton Athletic from June 2023 until March 2025.

His tenure on Wearside was marked by strained relations with sections of the fanbase, most notably following a 2018 BBC Radio Newcastle interview in which he referred to supporters watching illegal streams as “parasites” - comments he later described as ill-chosen. Methven stepped down from Sunderland’s board in December 2019, citing family reasons and consultancy commitments.

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In January, Methven took up a new boardroom role after being appointed as a non-executive director and strategic adviser at Walton & Hersham FC. Walton & Hersham, who currently lead the Southern League Premier South, confirmed Methven’s arrival as the club looks to plan for the next phase of its development both on and off the pitch. The appointment formalises an advisory relationship that had already been in place behind the scenes.

Methven brings board-level experience, having previously held senior roles at Sunderland and Charlton Athletic, though his time on Wearside remains a controversial chapter in the club’s modern history. Walton & Hersham co-owner Christopher Corey welcomed the appointment, describing it as a logical step given Methven’s existing involvement.

He said: “Charlie has been informally advising us for quite some time, so this appointment really just firms up the relationship. Charlie’s experience in building and improving football clubs is second to none. As we stand at this exciting and critical stage in the club’s future, his help in the coming months will be hugely valued in planning the next stages in Walton & Hersham’s development.”

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