Sheffield Wednesday 2019/2020: September Review

Well, we're nearing the end of September and we're well into the swing of the 19/20 season. It's been an interesting month for Wednesday after the arrival of Garry Monk and some big games. Lets take a look back at the game and some other bits and bobs as well.

The Matches

Huddersfield

We started the months with a trip to face Yorkshire Rivals Huddersfield Town, now from a personal point of view I'd been looking forward to facing Huddersfield ever since the Play Offs in 2017. The revenge factor I suppose you could call it, that may sound a bit daft but that's what football is like. Both sides were under new managers, ourselves with Garry Monk and the Terriers employing the Cowley brothers from Lincoln. Now I won't hide the fact they were my personal choice for ourselves but like I said in my last blog, we all have to get behind Monk and the team. What we saw was fairly impressive. While it's fair to say Huddersfield haven't had the best start to the season I was still impressed with what we did. The defensive shape was fairly strong and despite plenty of pre match negativity on social media certain players stepped up. An early goal from Steven Fletcher helped to ease the nerves and from there on in Wednesday controlled the game. While Huddersfield had a few moments including a solo run from Terence Kongolo it always felt like it'd need something special for them to equalise. We doubled our lead in the 2^nd half after a lovely ball into the box from Barry Bannan found the almost forgotten man Sam Winnall to nod it in. It's been a long road back for Winnall after suffering that injury while at Derby on loan and to be fair to him he's earned his shot at it. That kind of goal was one he used to score regularly for Barnsley prior to coming here and you could see the delight on his face. A solid 2-0 away win in Monk's opening game. Not a bad Sunday afternoon.

Fulham

Monk's first home game in charge was against one of the pre season favourites for promotion, Fulham. Now while Fulham have a squad more than capable of finishing in the top two they haven't had the best start and came into the game below Wednesday in the table. It was a frustrating game really, not helped by the fact Geoff Eltringham decided to fall for every trick in the book that Fulham had, feigning injury, time wasting, niggly fouls. I'm sure we've all seen the decision to book Sam Hutchinson for being fouled by Harry Arter. Now don't get me wrong, Hutchinson has a reputation which doesn't help him but come on, that might be one of the worst decisions to have ever happened in professional football. Fulham took the lead against the run of play just before half time and after that in fairness controlled it from there. We didn't press them enough in the midfield. We seemed to lack a spark for much of the game. Despite some good play in the first half and creating decent opportunities we probably didn't deserved to get anything from the game. However Atdhe Nuhiu did what Atdhe Nuhiu does, came on, had a big impact and got us a point. Kadeem Harris made a good run which he has been doing all season and put a good ball in which deflected off a Fulham defender and Atdhe reacted quickest to nod home. Now over the last 4/5 seasons we've had some big goals scored at Hillsborough but I have to say that I haven't heard Hillsborough like that for a while. Even though a lot of fans had left the ground by then the eruption when it went in was wonderful. I personally don't think I've celebrated a goal quite like that since those days of the play offs (Lucas Joao's goal against Sheffield United aside but that memory is tarnished for very obvious reasons). That's why we go to football, for moments like that. Overall four points from two games was a good return for Garry Monk.

Everton

Next up was a home tie in the third round of the League Cup, now a lot of people have spoken about the team we played and the theory we (and many other Championship teams) didn't take it seriously. While I can understand that, it's a squad game. How many other opportunities will Monk have to assess some of those players in match situations? Not many. They needed minutes and in fairness we actually did OK. We started the game well and should have scored through Sam Winnall. Unfortunately and I made this point a number of times at the game, Everton played a very strong side. Someone said it was the reserves. Well eight of those who played against us played against Sheffield United in the league. Of those who came in to the side one is a World Cup winner, another is a regular for England's U21's and the other scored against Man City at the weekend as well as scoring the two that won this game. Despite the naive defending for the two goals we actually did alright. We showed some good energy in the midfield with Massimo Luongo and Joey Pelupessy. Atdhe Nuhiu and Sam Winnall worked hard up front. It could have been a different game if we'd taken our chances and that is the key point, the major difference between where we are and the level above is finishing. We need 5/6 chances to score 1, they took their two early ones and I can only think of two more they had throughout the game. Disappointing to be out of the cup, ah well there's always next year eh.

Middlesbrough

So the final game of the month saw us take a trip to the Riverside Stadium to take on Middlesbrough, now from the outside looking in it appears to be a bit of a transitional year for Middlesbrough. Gone is the pragmatic Tony Pulis and in is the local lad Jonnathan Woodgate. Of course the manager who inhabited the home dressing room at the Riverside before Pulis was our own Garry Monk who hadn't beaten Boro in three attempts since leaving. Well that was all put to bed after 34 minutes. Wednesday were 4-1 at half time through an Adam Clayton own goal, Dominic Iorfa, Adam Reach and Steven Fletcher. It's not very often you get a half of football like that and it was very pleasing. We exploited Boro's lack of ability in the air and deserved what we got. It's the first time since Bournemouth away in 2014 we've scored 4 in one half away from home. The last time we did it at all was Preston at home under Jos. While Monk was measured in his post match interview I'm sure inside he was delighted with what he'd seen and beating a club that lets be honest treated him badly. It was also very funny to hear the Wednesday fans singing at the Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson after the recent off field ongoings. Maybe instead of looking for other clubs to blame he should maybe focus on arresting the slide his club seems to have been on since relegation. But enough of them, it was our day and a great way to cap off a good month for Wednesday.

Looking ahead

It's been a good start for Garry Monk, while there were questions over his appointment we've taken 7 points from 9 and with there not being any outstanding teams in the league this year we currently sit 7^th, 1 point outside the Play Offs, 3 points off top. Now while early it's fair to say that a good couple of results in the next few and we could be right up there. I don't want to get too carried away as it's early days and we were actually in a similar position this time last year. The next two will take us into the 2^nd international break of the season.

Hull away kicks off October while Wigan at home provides the last home game for a few weeks. After that a trip to Cardiff which is always tough before games on the TV against Stoke and Leeds. Both very interesting for different reasons. It'll be interesting to see where we are come the end of October, if we have maintained this kind of form then in my opinion we'll have a decent shot of those Play Offs personally.

While there's not too much expectation from us at this stage I think we all recognise we have a decent squad of players and if the perform to the levels more often than not we'll have a chance. To get out of this division you need a plan, players that buy into that plan and a manager who can make big decisions and get the best out of his squad. Early signs are promising. Like I said, October is a big months and offers some really interesting games against different sets of teams.

So there we have it, another month played. The table is taking shape and the nights are drawing in. Yep the football well and truly is back.

Thanks for reading

Tom

WAWAW

Wednesday Get The Monk On: My Thoughts On The New Manager

So, Sheffield Wednesday have ended speculation over the next manager today by appointing Garry Monk as the latest incumbent of the Owls hot seat. It's fair to say it's split opinion and in fairness I have mixed thoughts on it as well. Here I'll go through my own pros and cons of the decision.

Cons

We'll start with the negatives of it. Firstly I do find it worrying that a man who only took his first job in February 2014 is now onto his 5th club. Swansea, Leeds, Middlesbrough and Birmingham all proceed Wednesday on Monk's managerial CV. Having said that management isn't known for being a long term job these days. It's not Monk's fault either that certain chairmen might have panicked and pushed the button too early (Boro) but it's still something that slightly concerns me. As someone who isn't a big fan of changing managers every few seasons it would be nice to think this one would stick around a while.

A lack of a promotion of his CV again isn't necessarily grounds to not give someone a job. Only three teams can go up from this division in any season, it's not easy to get sides out of this division. As for Monk's record, it shows a manager who can get a team moving. Leeds were a mid table side before he arrived that he took to the brink of the play offs only to fall away at the death. Middlesbrough were moving along at a steady pace but as mentioned before Steve Gibson panicked in the hope Tony Pulis would get them over the line. At Birmingham he dealt with a difficult financial situation and in doing so built a solid side that were knocking on the door of the play offs.

Pros

Monk does arrived with plenty of experience at this level as well as well as some time in the league above. He'll know the players at Hillsborough already having come up against them with Leeds, Boro and Birmingham. He'll not need time to get to know them from that point of view. Of course smaller more intricate stuff will need to be worked on but from a wider point of view he won't need telling who's who.

As mentioned before Monk dealt well with the restrictions at Birmingham. He built a solid team based around the strike partners up top of Che Adams and Lukas Jutkiewicz with a solid core of Championship players. He won't be fazed by not being able to spend millions on players. There's a decent core of players at Hillsborough and I'd expect Monk to be able to build a solid side from them.

Having been a player here, all be it briefly during the disastrous 2002/03 season which resulted in relegation from the 2^nd tier. Monk will know what this club is all about, he won't need telling like other managers of the past might have. He'll understand the kind of fan base we have. Being active on twitter as well suggests he's open to the modern way of social media and he'll no doubt have one eye on it.

Lets just get behind him

While he wasn't my choice personally all we can do is get behind him. People wanted a manager and we've got one, people wanted someone who knew the division, they've got him. People wanted someone who would be his own man and wouldn't pick favourites. I feel Monk is that kind of man. He'll get my full support and I'm looking forward to seeing what team he picks at Huddersfield on the 15^th. Good luck Garry. Welcome to the madhouse that is Sheffield Wednesday.

Thanks for reading

Tom

WAWAW

Sheffield Wednesday 2019/20: August Review

Well isn't it nice to have the football back, it's been another interesting month in Sheffield Wednesday history. The start of a new season, still without a manager and several things to discuss.

The Matches

Reading

The Owls started the 2019/20 campaign with a trip down to Berkshire to face Reading. Over the last 10 years or so Reading hasn't exactly been the home of many wins for Wednesday just two at the Madejski Stadium since the Royals moved there. The 2^nd of those however was last season and Wednesday made it back to back wins there with a 3-1 success. Overall I thought it was a decent performance. We showed glimpses of what we were capable of. New signing Kadeem Harris scoring on debut before being pegged back at 1-1. The reaction to that set back though was good and Wednesday were back in front through Sam Hutchinson only for Lucas Joao to sign off his Wednesday career with a goal against Reading who he'd join a few days later. Have to say it was a cracking finish. We'll talk more about Joao later. Overall after a couple of years of bad opening days it was nice to get a win on opening day and briefly top the division.

Barnsley

Following the win down at Reading we had the first South Yorkshire derby of the season with the visit of newly promoted Barnsley. These always seem to be interesting games and this was no exception. Wednesday going in front early through new loan signing Jacob Murphy followed later on in the game by Steven Fletcher. Again Wednesday played well, pressing Barnsley and capitalising on their attempts to play out from the back. It could have been 3 or 4-0 very easily, we always for the first time a while looked like we had more in the tank at the end. A sign of the good fitness work done in the summer. Overall it was a pleasing first home game of the campaign.

Bury

Next up we played Bury in the first round of the League cup....oh no we didn't. I'll probably do a separate blog on Bury and the way football is run in the country at the moment. I have quite a few things to say about the EFL and very little of it is positive. Sheffield Wednesday V Bury never happened and Bury sadly are no longer in the football league. A disgrace in my opinion and something that should not be brushed under the carpet.

Millwall

Following the enforced free week Wednesday took the long trip down to Millwall. Millwall away does seem to be a game that worries me. I think the same feeling was going through the minds of the coaching staff given the team selection. I'll be honest I didn't agree with replacing Odubajo for Iorfa mainly because I didn't feel we needed to make a change there. I appreciate the idea that Iorfa adds more of a physical presence at the back but to make a change after two wins seemed a bit odd to me. We lost 1-0 through a goal from Matt Smith and despite an OK performance it did raise a few questions. A lack of a plan b being one of them. Having said that we had out chances and on another day there's certainly an argument we could have got a point. All in all though the toughest test so far not passed.

Luton

After the defeat at The Den we were back at Hillsborough for Luton Town, of course having played them twice last season in the FA Cup it wasn't a completely alien experience for us. First of all I will say Luton are a decent side, they were last season and I think they'll be OK this season. As for the game, the first half from Wednesday's point of view wasn't great. We never really got going, not through a lack of effort or anything like that but the ball wasn't sticking up front and a number of the players just didn't look at it. Luton were probably a little bit unlucky that they didn't take the lead. In the 2^nd half we came out much the better and Kadeem Harris tapped in his 2^nd of the campaign to give the Owls a third win from four and for the third time ended a matchday on top of the division all be it for 24 hours.

Preston

After the Luton win a trip to Preston was next up, Preston away has never been a happy hunting ground for Wednesday and it was, like Millwall a game that worried me. Again I do think that that played on the mind of Lee Bullen. The performance while not great wasn't awful but as with a lot of games at this level if you make individual mistakes you often get punished. Moses Odubajo had a day to forget giving away both penalties. Personally the 2^nd one was 100% a penalty and while the first one probably was a penalty it is one of those you see often not given. No excuses though Wednesday weren't good enough and even though the last 20 minutes were decent including a goal from Steven Fletcher we didn't deserve anything out of it. Once again a tough test on the road not passed.

Rotherham

After the defeat at Preston there was a good opportunity to bounce back at local rivals Rotherham in the 2^nd round of the League Cup. It did feel a bit odd having not really earned the right to play in round two but that wasn't anything we could help of course. It was an interesting team, several changes and run outs for the likes of Cameron Dawson, Joey Pelupessy and Massimo Luongo and a debut for David Bates. Also starts for the much talked about three of Adthe Nuhiu, Jordan Rhodes and Sam Winnall. Have to say it wasn't the best performance, it improved with the additions of Kadeem Harris and Barry Bannan. A late winner scored by Adthe Nuhiu sent us through to round three setting up a third round tie at home to Everton. A lot has been made of Jordan Rhodes' reaction to the goal and to be honest I can see both sides of it but I do think it has been over done a bit. I can fully understand why he might have been a tad annoyed at effectively being shoved out of the way by Adthe Nuhiu but it was a split second reaction. It's also worth noting he went over to congratulate Kadeem Harris on the assist before joining the rest of the celebrations. Sometimes it's worth watching the full video and not just part of it. As for the game, while not the best performance cup football is about results. We needed to bounce back from defeat at Preston and personally I felt that one or two might have got a run out against QPR.

QPR

So we come onto the final game of the month. QPR at home. Let's not sugar coat it, it was a poor performance and there were many different things we would go into. Firstly I didn't really agree with the team, yes it was good to see Fernando Forestieri back in the side but just off Steven Fletcher doesn't tend to work, it hasn't really worked since Fletcher came to the club. The midfield didn't include Kieran Lee, yes he's had injuries and needs to be managed but to not sure him at all was odd for me. The substitutions in general didn't work at all. Luongo came on and did well but should have probably started, taking Palmer and Reach off seemed odd as well. Yes we were going to try and win the game but it left a number of players out there with little idea of where they were supposed to be. We didn't get to grips with QPR in the 2^nd half after a relatively even first half where Wednesday for me deserved to take the lead. Having watched it back I don't think the penalty was a penalty but I still felt we created enough in that first half for us to edge it. The 2^nd however we seemed to switch off completely, as soon as QPR equalised you could feel the energy out out of the crowd, the players looked lost. It felt a bigger game that it should and that for me was down to most of the fans knowing it was probably Bullen's last chance of the job. 12 points from 18 looks decent with some decent performances. 9 from 18 with back to back defeats doesn't look so good. It isn't as simple as that of course and I'll come onto my own thoughts on it.

Who should take over?

At the beginning of the season I said if we were to challenge for the top six we needed to pick up 12 points from the first 18 available. Now to have got 9 isn't a disaster, it's certainly not as bad as some of the more fancied sides have got and it's also worth noting where the likes of Norwich were this time last year. But we can't escape some glaring errors over the last few games that have lead to big questions over the team. I don't think Lee Bullen has done enough to get the job, he's done some good things but I still think tactically we don't have a plan b. We don't seem to know what to do when behind. As good as the Barnsley game was for example they didn't change the way they played. That for me all comes from the manager, a big issue with Jos Luhukay for example was his lack of ability to change games, if the opposition went in front, they'd win baring two occasions. It feels the same now. Obviously players have to take some responsibility for some of this as well but the main bulk of it comes from who's in the dugout.

For me from the names that have done the rounds very few actually appeal which is probably why someone isn't already in the dugout. Chris Hughton was an early favourite, apparently turned it down in favour of waiting for a Preamier League job, in fairness not exactly a bad reason. He probably will get one. Tony Pulis has been mentioned, as much as he'd bring a solidity and you know what you'd be getting I feel his best days are behind us. He didn't do well at Middlesbrough, his style of football wouldn't suit the group of players he'd have to work with at Hillsborough. Alex Neil is a name that has cropped up more recently. Wouldn't be a terrible choice for me, done well at Preston and has a promotion on his CV with Norwich. He knows the division and his stock appears to be pretty high. Gary Rowett now a well worn name in the Championship again wouldn't be terrible, did well at Burton and Birmingham, OK at Derby. Stoke appeared to be a tougher situation that we all thought it would be, he'd probably have something to prove and while he wouldn't be my choice he'd not be the worst name we could go for. Garry Monk while clearly has ability as a manager it would worry me why he's had 4 clubs in 4 years. Swansea, Leeds, Middlesbrough and Birmingham City have all moved Monk on and while some of them maybe haven't been the best run clubs it does make you wonder. It'd be a no from me. Nigel Pearson NO, just no. Ian Holloway not the worst name I've heard. At the very least he'd have an understanding of what Wednesday is about with the advantage of not having being here before. The worry with people who had been involved with the club before is that there's a certain worry for me of being sentimental and also a fear of doing things against what the fans might want. I'm not saying that's what's happening with Bullen but it might be one reason my results haven't flown.

For me the names that have interested me the most happen to be the ones who have been heavily linked with it at the time of writing this. Danny and Nicky Cowley the managerial duo who have revolutionised Lincoln City and masterminded their ascent up the leagues have been rumoured to be in talks with Wednesday after turning down the change to join recently relegated Huddersfield Town. As someone who likes to watch as much football as they can, the Cowley's have caught the eye, it's not every day you see a proper management duo. Danny may be the 'manager' but they come as a pair, the 2017 FA Cup run which saw them catch the headlines after making the Quarter Finals was only part of the their success. They won the National League title and then finished 7^th in League Two the year after losing to Exeter City in the Play Offs before winning the title in 2018/19. Add to that the 2018 Football League Trophy and a good start to this currant campaign. I think it's safe to say they are a pair on the rise.

Of course there would be risks, they have never managed at this level and would have to learn on the job as well as only able to work with the players available. Free agents are available of course but if there were many realistic options out there in the free market. Would they not have been singed already? At the end of the day, any appointment is a risk. It would make a refreshing change to got and get people who seem to be on the rise. People with something to prove and people who seem to have a record of staying somewhere for a period of time. They'd be my choice personally.

September

Regardless of what happens with the managerial situation. We still need to see improvement on the pitch. If Bullen is still in charge when we go to Huddersfield on Sunday the 15^th then we have to back him. Huddersfield have had a shocking start and we really need to be going there and winning if we have any hopes of challenging that top six in my opinion. Fulham at home will be tough but Middlesbrough away as well doesn't strike me as the tricky fixture of the past. Throw in the cup tie against Everton and it has a lot of potential this month.

Thanks for reading,

Tom

WAWAW (that's gone quiet again hasn't it?)

Sheffield Wednesday Season Preview: 2019/20

Well, that was boring uneventful summer wasn't it?

OK, maybe a hint of sarcasm there. It's been yet another summer full of talking points regarding Sheffield Wednesday. A second soft embargo, a retained list of key players, three signings that we all knew about ages before they were announced and... oh yeah the manager left. Let's get into it all.

Steve Bruce

I don't want to spend too much time talking about Steve Bruce, what's done is done and I'm sure everyone reading this will know all the facts anyway. For me the way it was handled by Bruce was poor and left a bitter taste in the mouth. Departing the way he did after Wednesday had been good to him, I feel massively for the chairman who after sacking Jos Luhukay back in December listened to the fans and appointed a manager who the fans wanted only for that manager to engineer a way out of the club. I have no issue with him wanting the Newcastle job but to resign to force our hand regarding the compensation of him and his staff meant Bruce went down in my estimations.

It does of course leave us with the dilemma of appointing a new manager, at the time of writing this no manager has been appointed and we already know Lee Bullen will lead the team down at Reading. For me the longer it goes on the better chance Bullen has of getting the job full time. While he wouldn't necessarily be my choice there are positives to him, he gets the club, he understands the fan base, he knows the players inside out and also knows the division inside out. Yes a lack of experience is a drawback but everyone has to start somewhere. Like I say, he's in the best possible position to get the job as it stands.

The one positive of all of this was the way the fans got behind the chairman. I saw people online who had been very critical of Chansiri over the last few years backing him over this and that was good to see. I think he's actually won quite a few people round because of it and that's very pleasing.

On the pitch

While all the chaos was going on off the pitch this summer, on the pitch has been fairly steady and there are a number of positives from the pre season schedule. A good ten days training out in Portugal before a training game against Shrewsbury was followed by a two friendly games in one day as the squads split, one to Lincoln and one to Stocksbridge where both ran out winners. Northampton away followed with some nice football played and good goals scored before heading out to Germany. Wednesday lost at VfB Lubeck before coming from two goals down to beat Holstein Kiel 3-2. Again some good football on display. Fletcher and Rhodes linking up well up front was a particular highlight. Finally the only home fixture of the campaign saw Wednesday host Espanyol in a friendly. For a friendly it was quite a decent game, we kept the ball really well and dominated the first twenty minutes or so and took the lead through Steven Fletcher's header after Barry Bannan's sumptuous cross, if you haven't seen that by the way, check it out. Tom Lees' ball to Bannan wasn't bad either. Their equaliser from Javier Diaz was wonderful, arguably the best goal scored against us for a while. Fernando Forestieri scored a 2^nd half penalty before Wu Lei made it 2-2 with not long left. It was a good work out which Wednesday edged. Other positives included the comfort on the ball from most of the players, Hutchinson, Lees and Borner keeping possession nicely throughout the first half. Kadeem Harris looked fantastic and looks to be a really clever addition and Moses Odbubajo also impressed on his first showing as a Wednesday player at Hillsborough.

Looking ahead

Looking ahead to the upcoming season, this Championship doesn't look as daunting as in previous years. That isn't to say it won't be as competitive as ever but I feel it's a more even division than before. Predicting it is even tougher. It's been an interesting summer, it's clear many clubs in the division are close to that EFL line so spending has been a lot lower this season with the exceptions of Bristol City and Brentford nobody is really splashing the cash. We ourselves have been under a soft embargo. While it's obviously not a good thing I do think it's been slightly overplayed by the media. Reasonable sources suggest it was only there because of the late accounts submission which seems to be in line with the EFL's Profit and Sustainability rules.

If I'm 100% honest I don't really know what to expect from this season from Wednesday. I don't think we'll finish in the top six, I don't think we'll be near the bottom six either. We have a squad that is capable and if we can avoid the injuries that have dogged us over the last two seasons and find some consistency then we might have a decent chance. The squad has underperformed for large spells over the last two or three years but the 2^nd half of last season did show that they can put a run together. It's worth remembering that since Jos left we've only lost 5 times. One to Chelsea in the FA Cup, one to Leeds who finished third, once to Villa who went up, once to Hull who were at the time the form team in Europe and the other was to QPR on the final day of the season when it didn't matter much anyway. At the end of the day we became a team that was organised and difficult to beat. Yes a lot of that was down to Bruce but if whoever gets the job can continue that pathway then hopefully we can be successful.

Who will be the key men?

Obviously when you look for the key players in this team it's difficult not to start with Barry Bannan, the Scotsman who begins his fifth season at Wednesday will be eager to have another crack at promotion. He's taken on the role of playmaker in the side and is probably first name on the teamsheet. His passing, his reading of situations, his leadership which has grown over the last couple of seasons all make him such a key player for us and his popularity with the fans is only increasing. He's my tip for our Player Of The Year award.

Keiren Westwood will always be on any list like this, there were rumours he wouldn't remain a Sheffield Wednesday player this season but the Irishman has signed a new 2 year deal and like Bannan is vastly popular. The confidence he gives to the back four is key and he's probably been worth a good number of points for Wednesday over the last few years. Keeping him fit and healthy will be key.

Keiran Lee is back fit and while it is a cliché will be like a new signing for us. We don't have another player like him, his ability to ghost through that midfield and end up on the end of something could be crucial. It was great to see him back on a football pitch at the end of last season and it's even better to see him now fully fit and ready to start this campaign.

Jordan Rhodes is back from a loan spell at Norwich and while the 'what shall we do with him' debate rumbles on I think it would be daft to move him on now after playing him throughout pre season. I still maintain if you have a fully fit and confidant Jordan Rhodes up front and give him the service he'll score goals. I've seen nothing to change my mind on that. It's also worth remembering that during Wednesday's four years or so under Chansiri trying to get promoted Rhodes has won promotion twice with Middlesbrough and Norwich in that time. Having that recent promotion experience might be an important weapon on the arsenal.

Kadeem Harris looks a real find, he has pace which I think we all can accept we've lacked over the last few years and he knows how to cross a ball. There's nothing like a good winger running with the ball and putting it into a dangerous area. I can foresee him being a popular player for Wednesday.

Fernando Forestieri for me will always make a list like this. Now at time of writing news has broken in the last hour or so that Fernando has been banned for six matches following the incident at Mansfield last year. It's already been announced he'll appeal that and I think that's all we can say on that for the moment. On the pitch he's still probably our best player, a player who can pull something out of nothing. I know the last few years have been disrupted by injury and I know there are still sections of fans who think he's not worth the fuss but I challenge you to find a better player who wouldn't cost us an arm and a leg to sign. We have to stick with him and unlock that potential in him again for me.

Adam Reach of course always catches the eye. The once thing you'd say about Adam is that he needs to score more tap ins to add to his collection of fabulous goals. This could be a big year for Reach, he's had a couple of years of being one of the key men in an under performing team. Now is a good chance to be that in a team that is challenging.

A good start could be key

Again it's another cliché but a good start could be massive for us. The main reason I say this is Wednesday have a habit of slow starts. Last season I think most fans would say the start was average to middling. The facts showed it was our best return in terms of points to a 2^nd tier season since 1990. We know slow starts have cost us in previous years. 15/16 is a good example of that, the form post September was pretty good but the first month really did for us. 16/17 the same. We've been given a start which on paper isn't as tough as maybe it could have been. While I think it's harder than some people have given it credit for it's still fair to say Wednesday should be looking at winning the majority of those games. Home games with Barnsley, Luton and QPR shouldn't provide as big a test as some of the other teams in the division. Away games at Reading, Millwall and Preston do provide a bit of test. We have to be looking at least 12 points from those first six games if we have serious ambitions of the top six in my opinion.

Prediction

So here we are, time to lay my neck on the line. I'll say we'll finish 9^th. It's a position I've had in my head for a while. I just don't quite think we have enough to finish in the top six and I can't see that changing massively between now and the end of the window. I'd love to be proved wrong on that one.

Player Of The Year: I'll got for Barry Bannan, I think this might be the year where he actually gets some proper recognition from the rest of the footballing world.

Top scorer: I'll say Jordan Rhodes, yes he has his critics and doubters. I'd love it if he shut them up, I'd love it if he fired us into the play offs or better. He'd deserve it.

Most assists: It's hard not to say Bannan on this one but I do think Harris might run him close. Adam Reach as well is a shout.

Surprise player: This is a bit of an odd one as I don't even really know what I mean. I suppose what I'm getting at is someone who people wouldn't be expecting anything from. Julian Borner might well be that man, people have spent a lot of the summer telling the club to sign Michael Hector and while that would no doubt be a good move we may have already replaced him with Borner. He's looked composed on the ball and also looks a fairly strong player. It will be interesting to see how he gets on.

So there we have it, a preview and prediction ahead of the 2019/20 season. Lets hope it's a good season, we as fans can't do much other than support the lads. We've got a nice new kit as well which appeals to what fans have been asking for for a while. We've had a decent pre season on the pitch. Let's got and attack this division. You never know, look at the crap that went up last year (not you Norwich and Villa)

Thanks for reading

Tom

WAWAW (We're still allowed to do that as far as I know)

My Top 5 Sheffield Wednesday Home Kits

My Top 5 Sheffield Wednesday Home Kits

 

During a week of talk of embargos, trademarks and non signings it would be easy to write a blog full of hearsay (not the band) and rumour speculating on all that. Instead lets lighten the mood slightly with a look back at some of the kits we've had over the years. This is my top five kits we've had during my time supporting the club.

Number 5 2011/12

Now I have to be honest, when this kit was first revealed in that odd joint sponsorship deal with Sheffield United I can't say I was much of a fan. It was a diversion away from what we'd had with a collar and a smaller stripe either side of the usual thicker stripe. However after purchasing the shirt it became a favourite. Of course it helped that the season was so memorable as Wednesday secured promotion to the Championship from League One with 93 points finishing 2^nd just ahead of...oh yeah Sheffield United. It was a memorable season with so many key points but who could forget the 1-0 over the blades at Hillsborough. This kit will be synonymous with that Chris O'Grady goal and fan favourite Jose Semedo's iconic celebration. The 2^nd of four Puma kits we had between 2009/10 and 2013/14 it also gave a nod to the previous shirt's partnership with the Sheffield Children's hospital with the bear logo on the back of the shirt. A nice touch. It was also interesting as it was the first kit we'd had since 1997 so have blue shorts which made a change from the usual black.

Number 4 2015/16

Ah yes, the Wembley kit. This one also wasn't one I was massively keen on when it first emerged. Again no real strong reason why. Once bought however I liked it. It had the look and feel of a proper Wednesday shirt. It was also the last shirt with that particular badge which I know wasn't popular with a section of the fans but I liked it. Again this shirt went with a collar and it suited it. A classy looking kit that accompanied a great season. Games like Arsenal in the league cup, Cardiff to secure the play offs and the first leg at Hillsborough against Brighton means this kit holds special memories among the fans.

Number 3 2003/04-2004/05

 

Again a kit that accompanies a great season in 2004/05 but this kit also accompanies our worst season since relegation from the Premier League. 2003/04 was a disaster lets face it. Several players who needed shifting on and a manager out of his depth but the kit was nice and it was retained for the 2004/05 season in which Wednesday secured promotion to the Championship via the play offs at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. A thicker striped kit that the previous version it was Diadora's 2^nd of three kits made for Wednesday. Mostly blue but with the only white being the stripes, name and number on the back. As time goes on for me it becomes ever more an iconic kit, that image of Lee Bullen lifting the trophy is as iconic as they come and so is the one later on in the dressing room with the cans.

Number 2 1999/00

We'll get the negative bit out of the way first. Yeah we go relegated, we had a dreadful season. It was a pretty bad time to be a Wednesday fan. We looked good doing though. Although you could argue it's basically the 2005 kit with a different badge and sponsor that isn't necessarily a bad thing in my opinion. Again lots of blue and black shorts with a blue trim. I quite like socks that have the badge on and this has that which I think looks good. It's a shame the team didn't perform to the levels the kit set.

Number 1 2018/19

 

So we come to the number one kit, it happens to be the one we've just spent the last 10 months or so watching. I accept that there is an element of it being fresh in the mind so it stands out and that is true but there are a couple of things that really make it stand out to me. First of all, we had two years away from the traditional stripes and I don't really want to open up the stripes argument but to me a Sheffield Wednesday shirt without stripes isn't right. So it was nice to see them return. Also it combined the only standout positive of the last two kits for me which was the solid back. Again I know a lot of people don't like the solid blue back but I think it looks better. The name and numbers of the players stand out and it looks classy. The black accompanying it looks good as does the gold lettering of the sponsor. The shorts and socks look nice adding to a smashing kit overall.

So there we have it, my top five kits of what I suppose you could call the modern era. What are your favourites? Were there any I missed out or are there any in here that you think are shockers?

All the pictures are from http://www.historicalkits.co.uk, check them out. You can spend hours browsing the different kits of all teams across England and Scotland.

Copyright Historical Football Kits and reproduced by kind permission.

Thanks for reading

Tom

WAWAW (We're still doing that right?)

Sheffield Wednesday 2018/19: May and Season Review

Ah well, the season has come to a close. The final game has been and gone and we're left with thoughts of what we're going to do to occupy our time on Saturday afternoons. It's been a season with several talking points. Players, managers, tactics, fans forums, radio disputes and of course, cricket. Obviously some of that is tongue in cheek. Before I talk about the season as a whole I will address the final game of the season.

OPR

The 2018/19 campaign came to an end at home to Queens Park Rangers. There's no point beating around the bush, we didn't play very well. QPR to their credit did play some decent stuff and were better than I thought they would be. It had the feeling of a friendly or a testimonial and Steve Bruce reflected on that in his post match comments. The atmosphere was very flat at times, understandable to an extent. End of season games often have that feeling. A lot of players didn't really turn up, I will give credit to Keiren Westwood who put in a brilliant performance and made some excellent saves. Morgan Fox as well I thought played well. It was an odd game in truth, after they took the lead we had the chance in the 2nd half to get back into it through the penalty spot. Fernando Forestieri was adjudged to have been fouled by the QPR defender Toni Leistner. It wasn't a penalty, nobody in the ground thought it was and maybe justice was done as Fernando stepped up and missed it. After that QPR themselves had the chance to wrap up the game from the spot after a soft foul was given against Tom Lees but Westwood spared his blushes with a save from Eberechi Eze. In an already odd game a third penalty being given for a foul on Marco Matias only added to the drama and this time centre half Michael Hector stepped up to fire the Owls level. It was an interesting moment with other more regular penalty takers being on the pitch but credit to Hector who executed it with the precision of a striker. QPR did run out winners after a last minute winner and it was probably fair. Fair play to them.

12th in the Championship

 

I'll be honest my first thought upon seeing the final league table was that I was a bit disappointed to see us in 12th. Having had the chance of finishing 9th it was a bit of a shame to see us rounding off the top half but comparing that to where I thought we'd finish if you'd have asked me in December I'd have snatched your hand off for 12th. In fact 12th probably would have felt like promotion. At the end of the day if you finish between 7th or 21st you've achieved the same thing, Championship football next season. For me, the minimum expectation I had after last season was gradual improvement. Win more, Lose less, score more, concede less. Last season we won 14, drew 15 and lost 17 finishing 15th with 57 points. Scoring 59 and conceding 60. This season we've won 16, drawn 16 and lost 14 Scoring 60 and conceding 62. With 64 points to show for it. Overall you can put the bad start down to the poor goal difference for me but ultimately we've ended up about where we should have based on performances. I watch a lot of football and we're better than a lot of the sides we've finished above but as it stands not much better many of than the ones above.

 

It's fairly obvious that Steve Bruce has come in and had a major impact, he's improved us in all areas really. Defensively obviously he's made us one of the best teams with regard to conceding goals since he came in and that is no coincidence. He deserves a lot of credit for the job he has done and he's answered a lot of those critics who were chirping in before his arrival. Overall the connection between manager and fans is stronger than it has been in a while. Jos Luhukay never had that, Carlos Carvalhal had it but then lost it. Bruce has endeared himself to the Wednesday fans, it's clear to me that he wasn't happy with how it ended at Villa and he wants another promotion and he believes here is the place to do it.

 

The retained list

 

We knew prior to the weekend that Wednesday had offered Keiren Westwood a new deal, at the time of writing he hasn't signed that deal yet. We learned after the game that Bruce wants to keep Kieran Lee at the football club after his comeback from a long injury layoff. Later in the day we learned that Marco Matias, George Boyd, David Jones, Almen Abdi and Gary Hooper joined Daniel Pudil in leaving Hillsborough. I don't think many of those struck us as surprising. Hooper was a player I would love to have kept but given the possible financial restrictions around the club it may have been a decision based more on wages than anything else. We do have a lot of strikers and the opportunity to create some space in the squad was needed and as much as I like Hooper I can appreciate the argument that he hasn't played enough football over the last few seasons.

Daniel Pudil has been a fantastic servant to Sheffield Wednesday, a solid player who gave everything, great guy as well of the pitch. At times when the chips were down he stood out. He was key in the Wembley season and I wish him well wherever he ends up.

David Jones and George Boyd both I think were on paper astute signings, In Jones' case he just hasn't played enough football and it wasn't a surprise to see him leave. Always a good talker and again good off the pitch, personally I thought he did OK for us. Key in the end of season run in in 2017 which saw us go close again. Boyd while he wasn't a fans favourite I think did have more impact that people gave him credit for, a couple of nice goals along the way. One of those who I wished we'd have a few years earlier. Good luck to them both.

Marco Matias is someone I'd have probably given another year to, I'll accept that during his time here his numbers don't look great but you have to factor in he's had injuries in that time and had a large spell not being selected under Carlos Carvalhal. This season I think we were starting to see the player that arrived here with such reputation. Again, a nice bloke off the pitch as well who has wanted to give something back to the city as well as the club. I wish him all the best.

Almen Abdi, well we could be here all day discussing this one couldn't we. All I will say is that I was so pleased we signed him, he was so good for Watford, we saw a fleeting glimpse of it at Forest in 2017 with that fabulous goal. But beyond that it really hasn't worked out. The reasons for that I don't know, I don't think anyone who isn't inside the club knows.

The Awards (There's not actually any prizes on offer)

So this is where I'll go through the different things that go on over the course of a season, player of the year, goal of the season. That kind of thing. Everyone is entitled to an opinion. Some of these were hard to decide than others.

Player Of The Year: Michael Hector
Over the course of a season I think with any player of the season vote you have to look at the importance of the players to the team. Without Hector we could have been in a very different position. It's not just his own performances, he brings that confidence to the rest of the team. Particularly those at the back, Tom Lees looks a different player when Hector is alongside him. He's had a fantastic impact on the team and the club and the fans have warmed to him. Being in the away end at Chelsea, very active on social media. Small things go a long way with the fans and 'Big Hec' as he's known has embraced what Wednesday is all about. If we can get him back next season it'll be a major boost.

Goal Of The Season: Fernando Forestieri V Norwich
Massive apology to Adam Reach, who in any other season I think would have walked away with this one. I agree with the rest of the fan base with the vote that was conducted the other week that Fernando Forestieri's powerful drive against Norwich was the best of the season. The fact the chance had gone not once but twice and he still pulled it off was part of the reasoning for me. The other part was that it was an absolute belter of a strike. Against a good keeper in Tim Krul as well helps and it was great to see Fernando get a goal like that after a tough couple of years with injury.

Signing Of The Season: Dominic Iorfa
I could have put Michael Hector in for this one as well but I've gone with Iorfa for a couple of reasons. The fact we've got him for so little I still find remarkable, the impact he's had and the potential in him. I genuinely think he'll be a Premier League player in years to come. He's quick, he's athletic, he's strong, he speaks well. He's been an excellent addition and has already popped up with some important goals. He's one to watch.

Moment Of The Season: Steve Bruce being appointed
This might look very silly in a years time if things don't work out but Steve Bruce being appointed Sheffield Wednesday manager felt like a bit of a watershed moment for Sheffield Wednesday. Someone who knows how to get promoted. Someone who isn't afraid to make big decisions and someone who's been there and done it and tells it how it is. Ultimately Bruce after a tough year on and certainly off the pitch could have walked away from football, he didn't and that tells me everything. Steve Bruce doesn't need Sheffield Wednesday but Sheffield Wednesday does need Steve Bruce and from the way he spoke after the QPR game he means business, he wants that 5th promotion to the Premier League and he wants to be the man to finally get this club moving.

Moment Of The Season(On The Pitch): Preston at Home
There were a few candidates for this one. Cam Dawson's penalty save at Bramall Lane, Adam Reach's goal against Leeds. The win at Villa Park, the win at Middlesbrough, the Blackburn game at home but I've gone with Preston at home. For the simple reason that it was the first game in a long time where people turned up and got behind the team for 90 minutes. Keiren Westwood returned in goal and Sam Hutchinson returned to the bench and the gloom around the club seemed to be lifted. Wednesday won 1-0 and I was delighted for Lee Bullen who was in temporary charge to get that home win.

Match Of The Season: Blackburn at Home
As a stand alone game for me Blackburn had nearly everything. It's always nice to score four at home and to win the game. Blackburn played fairly well and made us work for it and overall I thought it was a fantastic advert for the Championship as a division.

Worst Moment Of The Season: Rotherham half time boos.
Never in my time supporting the club can I remember a team being booed off at half time after just taking the lead. I never really understand booing at half time but if you're 3-0 down then maybe you can understand it but at 1-0 up after just taking the lead? That is unusual and it summed up the mood around Hillsborough at the time. It was a very strange atmosphere that day and make no mistake based on the 90 minutes we didn't deserve the point we got really.

 

 

Overall it's been a strange season, from an OK start to a very bad middle resulting in a change of manager to what I'd consider to be a fairly strong end. We've seen some decent football in the 2nd half of the campaign and most importantly the good feeling that had been absent from Hillsborough in recent times has returned. We've run some of the sides that have finished in the top six close away from home, A win at Villa, draws at Norwich, Sheffield United, West Brom and Derby. The home form over the season has been decent, there are plenty of things to build on for Steve Bruce and his staff ahead of 2019/20.


Thanks for reading, here's to a positive 2019/20

Tom

WAWAW

Sheffield Wednesday 2018/19: April Review

Well Easter has been and gone, the World Snooker Championships are into the 2nd week and people are planning their holidays. It must be the end of April and with that we're almost at the end of the season. Once again it's been an interesting month for Sheffield Wednesday.

The Matches

Aston Villa

We began the month with a home game against Steve Bruce's former employers Aston Villa, Villa had found form after a run of one win in eight and arrived at Hillsborough with the play offs very much in their own hands. For us we knew a win over Villa would give us a big chance. A lot of the build up obviously focused on Steve Bruce and I have to say the Villa fans for me were much more bothered about it than we were. As for the game itself Wednesday played well and it was fantastic to see Gary Hooper get on the scoresheet after so long out. Overall we controlled the game and but sloppy defending for John McGinn's equaliser should have been in front at half time. The 2nd half once again we bossed and won a penalty after Tyrone Mings brought down Fletcher. Mings could have easily seen red earlier in the game as could former Owl Glenn Whelan after a cynical foul on Sam Hutchinson. Sadly Fletcher missed the penalty and Villa went on to win the game 3-1. Frustrating, we'd been the better side and come away with nothing but there were still positives to take from it and overall it was a huge sign of how far this team had come since Bruce's arrival.

Nottingham Forest

Following that we had another home game a few days later in the shape of Nottingham Forest, Forest who spent a lot of money in the summer were clinging on to faint play off hopes themselves and were yet to win on the road under Martin O'Neill. The first half of this game probably summed up both sides seasons, neither was really in control of it. They maybe shaded it and it looked like it would peter out for a draw. It looked like two sides that would finish mid table. The 2nd half however Wednesday decided to turn it on, there was an element of fortune about all three goals. The first from Marco Matias I don't even think he knew what he was doing but a fantastic strike the Portuguese winger and I was pleased for him. George Boyd cracked in a 2nd after Wednesday counter attacked from a Forest free kick. Boyd has taken a lot of stick this season but to be fair to him his performances have been decent recently and he deserved his goal. While he isn't the George Boyd that terrorised defences back in his Peterborough days he's a good footballer and in the right team can be an asset. Marco Matias rounded off the night with a third goal to make it a good night for Wednesday, fortune once again around it but you make your own luck in football. A pleasing night for Wednesday.

Leeds United

After the Forest win we travelled up to face Yorkshire rivals Leeds. I'll be honest this was an odd day. The results earlier in the day meant that a Leeds win would put them in pole position for automatic promotion ahead of Sheffield United, from my point of view I'd never want my team to lose but it did slightly take the normal feelings defeat brings away. Again I didn't want us to lose and before the game fancied Wednesday to get something. The performance however I think showed the job Steve Bruce has on his hands. We did OK in the first half and could even have gone in front through Gary Hooper but ultimately Leeds were in control. Keiren Westwood came to the rescue on a number of occasions and probably strengthened his negotiating position for a new contract even further. We lost 1-0 and if we're honest it flattered us in the end. Again though, this is a Leeds team that have beaten a lot of sides at Elland Road. At the time they had won every game they had gone in front in. That's a fantastic asset to have. If we can take lessons from what they do and implement it into ourselves for next season we should.

Norwich City

After the Leeds game we were back on the road for the Good Friday trip down to Norwich, Norwich are in my opinion the best side in the Championship. They have a vibrant young team that play some great football and have done it all after selling the two best players last season. They deserve to go up and despite a disappointing result last season they stuck with the plan and got their rewards. Again we need to learn from what they do and implement it here. As for the game itself I thought Wednesday were excellent, falling behind to an early goal after Keiren Westwood pulled out in the warm up wasn't an ideal start. Cameron Dawson has taken some stick over the course of the season and I have to say some of it has been ridiculously harsh. Coming in at literally the last minute is never easy and probably contributed to the goal going in. After that Wednesday grew into the game and Fernando Forestieri scored what can only be described as an absolute rocket of a goal. It looked as though the chance to score had gone before he rifled the shot in from distance beating Tim Krul and for me it is a deserved winner of the club's goal of the season competition, which by the way had some stunners in. We got some fortune with the 2nd goal when Steven Fletcher handballed it over the line in the 2nd half. What I will say is that the Norwich fans do have a right to be annoyed about it but the idea of being 'deliberate' is nonsense. His hand has ended up there because he's slid in at an angle, he hasn't reached out and hooked it in. After that it looked like Wednesday were on for their first win at Carrow Road since 2009 but a late free kick was given and Norwich did what Norwich do, score a late goal. Overall it was a pleasing performance but a gutting end. The free kick wasn't a foul and then the taken took it five yards from where it was given. It was a poor night for Goeff Eltringham and left both sets of fans frustrated with him.


Bristol City

After the Norwich result the faint hopes of the play offs were still there, we needed to beat Bristol City to have any chance and I have to say I thought Wednesday were excellent. Bristol City are a good side, they didn't really show that at Hillsborough on Easter Monday but they were still a danger. We coped well with them and took the lead through another good goal, this time from Barry Bannan and added a 2nd later in the first half from Lucas Joao who received some stick from some fans during the game. Joao is a player who does frustrate at times but he has so much quality as well. It does irritate me when people label him lazy, he isn't lazy. His body language at times lets him down but he hasn't scored the goals he has this season by accident. A 2nd half double save from Cameron Dawson saw the Owls keep another clean sheet and make sure of three points. Overall it was a very pleasing afternoon to round off a decent Easter period for Wednesday.

Preston North End

The final game of April saw us travel over to Preston knowing we had to win to keep any faint hopes of the play offs alive. I'll be honest for me it was never about play offs this season since Bruce came in. It was mostly about stabilizing the club after a very disappointing first half of the campaign. The fact we went into the 45th League game of the season still in with a chance is testament to the job Steve Bruce, Steve Agnew, Stephen Clemence and Lee Bullen have done. They must all take great credit for that as well as the players. As for the game, the first half wasn't great. 2-0 down at half time after two sloppy goals conceded. Steve Bruce said after the game that it was the first time he'd lost his temper since arriving and I have to say I wasn't surprised seeing the goals back. Both were avoidable, We got back into it through another great goal from Barry Bannan before Alan Browne who's been a thorn in our side before scored a third. Wednesday then began to play again, Fernando Forestieri latching onto Atdhe Nuhiu's cross before the big man himself nodded in the equaliser. Overall a crazy game in which both sides maybe feel they could have won it. The play off dream was over but the club can now look ahead to next season and a possible push.

So overall another interesting month in the Steve Bruce ear and with one more match to play we're closing in on the end of the season. I'll save my overall thoughts on the current situation for the next blog which will be a comprehensive review of the season as well as touching on the QPR game and whatever news may have come out of the club post match.

Thanks for reading

Tom

WAWAW