Well, here we are again. Another season is upon us and as ever with Sheffield Wednesday there's a hell of a lot to talk about. It's been an interesting off and pre season. Several talking points, positives and negatives. I'll aim to look over some of them ahead of the big kick off.
Ins and Outs
Regardless of your opinion on last season I think we can all agree there needed to be a culture change at Sheffield Wednesday, the likes of Lees, Westwood, Reach and Pelupessy moved on and along with others there aren't many who could make a case for being kept on, be it wages or a general drop in performances there weren't many fans who were disappointed with the retained list.
In terms of ins, I've been really impressed with the business we've done. The likes of the returning Jack Hunt, Bailey Peacock-Farrell, Dennis Adeniran, Marvin Johnson and Lee Gregory all could have moved to clubs in higher divisions but chose to come here, that suggests there is something here that players want. Darren Moore I believe is a massive reason behind it, well respected in the game, players want to play for the former West Brom defender. He speaks well as as was shown on the touchline at Derby in the rain back in May, he's shown that desire for Wednesday that we desperately needed to see from someone at the club.
Chansiri Changing?
I don't want to speak too much about the chairman, after relegation I said on twitter that we needed to see action. Words are all well and good but after the last few years Wednesday needed to see Chanrisi attempt to change the downward trajectory of the club. It appears in some aspects at least he has, a COO in Liam Dooley has been appointed, new kits, an acceptance that the manager should have control of who he wants to come into the club. It's all pointing towards Chansiri listening and taking that much needed step back. I've said before and I'll repeat that I don't believe Dejphon Chansiri wants anything other than the best for Sheffield Wednesday but it was clear that since the Play Off campaign of 2017 the club was heading backwards. I just hope that the low point has been reached, a long way to go and we won't really know how much has changed until this time next year I'd imagine.
Pre Season
I think pre season has been decent, we've signed 11 players as of writing with number 12 looking likely as well. It's hard to gel all that together in pre season, we played fairly well for 60 minutes against Celtic before good wins over Chester and Alfreton. Defeats against West Brom and Barnsley in behind closed doors games and a win over Port Vale rounded things up. Over all we're about where you'd expect, beating the teams you'd expect us to beat.
Obviously the season is already underway with last Sunday's game against Huddersfield, I'll come onto the overall occasion in a bit but as a game it was decent showing from Wednesday. You wouldn't know which of the two was a Championship or League One side if you didn't already know. Despite losing on penalties, much to the delight of Huddersfield's travelling fans (where have they found them from?). There were positives for Wednesday, Adeniran and Wing looked good in midfield alongside captain Barry Bannan who was also very good. Jack Hunt for me was the best player on the pitch, Jaden Brown did well after coming on for Olamide Shodipo. Bailey Peacock-Farrell made a couple of wonderful saves and fully looks to be the commanding presence we need in that position.
The main concern would have to be, where are the goals going to come from? Callum Paterson did well on limited service but never really carved out a decent chance for himself, new signings Florian Kamberi, Theo Corbeanu and Lee Gregory will be hoping for a few more chances that we created on Saturday, I'm sure we will given the quality in the club.
League One: My Predictions and How I See The Season Panning Out
I'm going to say this straight off the bat, this season isn't really about promotion for me, that isn't to say I don't think we're capable, I do. But after the last few years we've had, to just drop into League One and expect to come straight back up is naïve thinking. The club for me had never felt more away from the fans than it did back in May, I'll accept Covid played a part in that and from being at the game on Sunday there was a genuine good feeling around the place which was fantastic to feel and be part of.
For me I've predicted Wednesday to finish 12th, is that a safe prediction? Yeah it absolutely is, it's me not wanting to put any expectation on it and just enjoy the ride, if we challenge for the Play Offs I'll be very pleased. Promotion? Well like everyone else I'll be delighted. The most important thing is the club having a long term future and a togetherness writhing the club and fanbase. Cliche I know but after the last four years it's been draining following this club.
I just think there are some clubs in the division that are better placed to challenge, Ipswich, Portsmouth, Sunderland to name a few. The first few games are tough, Charlton, Rotherham and Sunderland all in the first six games is a tough ask. Doncaster and Fleetwood at home will be no easy task either, we need to drop the big club attitude and respect the challenge that is there in front of us. Heading to the likes of Morecambe as well will be tough. They will want to beat Wednesday, make no mistake.
Fans Back
As I mentioned I was at Hillsborough on Sunday for the League Cup first round tie against Huddersfield Town. I've spent a lot of the last few weeks wondering what it'll be like going back since we knew there would be fans there. Would it feel unusual or strange, would it be different. Well it felt normal and that's the best compliment I can pay it, it was great to be back in the ground, great to hear Hi Ho Sheffield Wednesday in person for the first time in 17 months, it was great to see Darren Moore in person and welcome him to the club.
My hope is that if we do have a tricky start we stick by this manager and team, it's the most positive summer for a few years and I really hope that carries on into the season.
Bring on Charlton, lets hope the 3000 Wednesday fans going down will be treated to an opening day win.
Hope you've enjoyed my rambling,
Thanks for reading.
Tom
WAWAW
