Sheffield Wednesday suffer historic Championship relegation with derby defeat

Sheffield Wednesday have been relegated from the Championship with their 2-1 defeat to city rivals Sheffield United.

The Owls will return to League One for the first time in three years next season after a dismal few months on and off the pitch.

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Wednesday arrived at Bramall Lane on minus seven points having had two separate deductions for financial issues.

They had to win against the Blades on Sunday to keep their hopes of survival, no matter how unlikely it would have been.

However, their fate has been sealed and Wednesday are the first ever English Football League club to be relegated in February.

Patrick Bamford and Harrison Burrows scored in the first half, before Kalvin Phillips was sent off early in the second for a high challenge on Svante Ingelsson.

Charlie McNeill offered hope for Wednesday with his goal, but a red card was shown to Gabriel Otegbayo with minutes to play.

Wednesday could make more unwanted history during their final 13 matches in the Championship this season.

They could become the first ever team in the EFL to end a campaign on minus points.

Should they win all of their remaining games, the highest points tally they could finish on would be 32.

Defeat against the Blades is their 24th of the season and should they lose another 11, they will break the record for most defeats.

Wednesday also have only one win, with Rochdale holding the record for the least victories in a 46-game season on two in 1973/74.

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What does the future hold for Wednesday?

After years of mismanagement under Dejphon Chansiri, Wednesday were placed into administration in October.

Various financial issues, including £1million in unpaid taxes to HMRC, have played a significant role in the club’s demise.

They were given an automatic 12-point penalty for administration, and another six were later deducted for breaching EFL regulations.

It was reported in December that James Bord, a former proffesional poker player, was named as the preferred bidder for Wednesday.

However, a recent report from The Times said Bord is being sued by an ex-business partner over his investment in Spanish side Cordoba.