Sheffield Wednesday Sign Emergency Loan Goalkeeper Amid Financial Crisis

Sheffield Wednesday, currently bottom of the Championship and facing serious off-field financial troubles including a potential winding-up petition over unpaid taxes, have signed goalkeeper Joe Lumley on an emergency seven-day loan from Bristol City due to a goalkeeper shortage. This move was necessitated after their recent goalkeeper Ethan Horvath was sent off and suspended for one match, leaving the club without a senior goalkeeper available. Lumley, 30, who previously played for Middlesbrough and Reading, is expected to start in Wednesday's upcoming home match against Middlesbrough. The club is under multiple EFL embargoes but is permitted to make emergency goalkeeper signings under Regulation 57 due to the lack of available professional goalkeepers. Fans are reportedly calling for a boycott of the game in protest against owner Dejphon Chansiri amid ongoing financial instability and delayed wages. The crisis at Sheffield Wednesday extends beyond player availability, with staff departures and widespread concern about the club's future viability.