Sheffield Wednesday must prepare for the next challenge – says Chansiri

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Sheffield Wednesday chairman Dejphon Chansiri has revealed his side must make positive strides forward after the sides dramatic defeat to Huddersfield.

Following the Owls’ Sky Bet Championship play-off semi-final loss on Wednesday night, Chansiri has vowed to do “everything possible” to help the club succeed.

In a statement published on the club’s official website on Thursday, he said: “I woke up this morning with the same heavy heart as you all. To lose such a game on penalties is indescribable unless you have experienced that feeling.

“As your chairman I lead from the top and I am sorry for you, our incredible supporters, that we could not continue the journey this season to the destination we all yearn to be. But be assured that events such as last night make me all the more determined to return our lovely club to the top table of English football.

“When the wounds have healed we must use the scars to regroup, move on and take positive strides forward. Some things in football are never certain but one thing I can guarantee is – that I will continue to do everything possible and in my power to help us all succeed.

“We will analyse every area of the business and improve it to ensure we are prepared for the next challenge ahead.”

After the first leg finished goalless, Wednesday looked on course to return to Wembley for the second year in succession after Steven Fletcher’s header put them in front, only for an own goal from Tom Lees to level the scores with 17 minutes remaining.

Carlos Carvalhal’s men were on the back foot in the shoot-out after Sam Hutchinson missed their first penalty but the hosts were given hope when goalkeeper Keiren Westwood saved Jack Payne’s effort, with Fernando Forestieri needing to score to draw them level.

But Town shot-stopper Danny Ward kept his effort out to set up a play-off final encounter with Reading.

Wednesday have been absent from the top tier of English football since their relegation from the Premiership in 2000.