Sheffield Wednesday crisis: Hillsborough stand deemed ‘unsafe' as top players leave
First-team players have been training at the national football centre in St George's Park, Burton, as training facilities were not ready for pre-season, and now there are concerns over the North Stand of the stadium being closed for the start of the season.
Sheffield City Council have warned they may not be able to approve a safety certificate for the stand to be used by fans, with 'extensive corrosion' found in the roof.
The BBC reported that minutes from the Council's safety advisory group in June highlight the problem and need the work done before fans are allowed in. They also requested an away game for the opening match of the Championship season, which was granted as Wednesday travel to Leicester on Aug 10.
Wednesday have been warned the authority will not be 'in a position to approve the continuance of the existing general safety certificate' until the works are completed, according to the minutes. It added there was 'currently no professional reassurance as to the safety of the North Stand structure'.
Josh Windass, Wednesday's top scorer in the Championship last season, has left by mutual consent, along with Michael Smith. Players left also want clarity over whether Danny Röhl will continue as manager.
Owner Dejphon Chansiri has overseen a chaotic summer where players and staff were not paid wages on time. Röhl was in talks over leaving the club before returning to pre-season training, although it is still unclear whether he will take charge of the team next season.
The club have confirmed they will be without Windass and Smith. Several players handed in their notice after not getting paid, with the senior pair confirmed as departures.
Smith, 33, was the club's second-highest scorer in the Championship with eight goals and was a regular for Röhl. Windass scored 13 times and is now a free agent after an agreement to leave was thrashed out.
In an emotional post on social media, Windass wrote: 'Wow. Five-and-a-half seasons at this incredible football club, I can't explain just how much I have enjoyed playing for this club, representing the badge and the people of Sheffield. To the staff that have worked with me behind the scenes, to the players, and to the supporters – I can not thank you enough for the love and support you have given me during the time I have been here.
'I can categorically tell you without any hesitation that I have given 100 per cent in every single day in training session and at every game. My goal is to always give supporters moments to remember when they go home from a game, and hopefully that is what I have done and I hope you remember me that way. I will never ever forget Sheffield Wednesday and for sure I'll be a fan for life. Thank you again and hopefully I'll see you again soon.'
Wednesday's first home game is scheduled for Aug 16 against Stoke City. According to the safety advisory minutes, works could 'potentially continue during the season in between fixtures.'
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