Sheff Wed delay move to name preferred bidder

Sheffield Wednesday's administrators have said they will not be able to name a preferred bidder by Friday, as had previously been indicated.

The Championship club were deducted 12 points in October after they filed for administration, bringing to an end Dejphon Chansiri's 10-year reign as owner.

Twelve parties provided proof of funds to purchase the Owls, who were given a further six-point deduction earlier this week, but administrators Begbies Traynor said narrowing the field by Friday was now not possible.

In a statement, external, Kris Wigfield, managing partner of Begbies Traynor, said they must maximise returns to creditors and secure the right long-term owner for the club.

"Rushing this stage would serve neither objective," the statement read. "Discussions with bidders remain active, detailed and constructive, and momentum has not slowed.

"We know this continues to be an incredibly challenging period."

The Owls' latest points deduction means they are now 27 points from safety in the Championship. The travel to 18th-placed Blackburn Rovers on Saturday (15:00 GMT).