Sheffield Wednesday fans group consider takeover bid
Former Owls manager Wilkinson took the club to the top flight in 1984
A Sheffield Wednesday supporters group has set out its plans to take control of the ailing League One club.
Over £2m has been pledged to Wednesday 'Til I Die, which has the support of all other fans groups.
Local businessman Garry Scotting, who pledged £500,000, said: "We're on the brink, we must stand together and take the future of the club into our hands."
The Owls were last week given 28 days by a High Court judge to find new owners after facing a winding-up order.
The winding-up petition came from HM Revenue & Customs for £600,000 - a figure which HMRC revealed in court had subsequently risen to £1.4m.
Sheffield Wednesday chairman Howard Wilkinson has welcomed Scotting's new plan.
Wilkinson told BBC Radio Sheffield: "There's an attempt by a local businessman to put together a deal which sounds very attractive for fans concerned.
In the immediate term we do need these large sums of money from wealthy individuals
Garry Scotting
"If you want to have a positive impact on the outcomes that are achievable this week, then you should get behind that person because what he's interested in is the same as me - and that's moving on."
The group hope to have a regulated investment scheme, called the 'One Wednesday' fund, ready within two weeks, which will be able to accept money from interested parties.
"We only have days left to save the club," said Scotting. "For years now the fans have stood by patiently as rescue plans have been drawn up and torn up.
"Hopes have been raised and shattered week after week after week.
"From today the people that really matter - the supporters - must work together in a bid to rescue the club from the ashes and to secure its future."
Fans are being urged to pledge amounts of £100 or greater, but Scotting admitted that large donations were urgently needed.
"In the immediate term we do need these large sums of money from wealthy individuals.
"But, longer term, it's vital that all fans play their part in building a brighter tomorrow for Sheffield Wednesday.
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