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

Sheffield Wednesday 2018/19: March Review

So here we are, the clocks have gone forward, Easter is on the horizon. The last International break(that will interrupt the season at least) has been and gone. It's now April and the run in is here. Lets take a look back at March for the Owls.

The Games

 

 

Sheffield United

 

We started the month with a nice friendly game against our friends from Sheffield 2...…, sorry we started the month with the nerve jangling, sleep depriving, feeling sick fest that is the Steel City Debry. While I hated the build up as always I actually really enjoyed the pre match atmosphere. The evening kick off made it a bit more atmospheric. As for the game while it lacked quality there were positives in it. Another valuable clean sheet for us, Aarons' pace caused problems for them and while we didn't create a load of chances the best one of the night did fall out way. Sam Hutchinson certainly would have been a very popular goalscorer. Overall the 2nd 0-0 between Wednesday and United of the season and third since their return to the Championship was a fair result. They had the best chance of the first half and didn't take it. We had the best chance of the 2nd and didn't take it. They settled for the point with their subs, we didn't quite have enough about us to win it. Fair result. There was obviously a lot of talk about the incident in which a Wednesday fan threw a bottle at Jack O'Connell and obviously it goes without saying that person is an idiot.

 

Derby County

 

Following the point against United we made the trip to Derby, it was a fair assumption that if we were to keep up the fight for the play offs we needed something from the trip to Pride Park, a ground in which we'd not won at since 2006. Overall we could well have won it with a decent performance. Bradley Johnson got his usual goal against Wednesday but big Dominic Iorfa equalised to give Wednesday a well deserved point. Sam Winnall's disallowed goal was a talking point and having seen it back a number of times I have to say I think the officials got it right. Winnall's return was a boost and gave us another option after Forestieri's half time substitution in the derby.

 

 

Bolton Wanderers

 

After Derby it was a trip to struggling Bolton. Bolton needed the points just as much as we did to keep their survival hopes alive. From out point of view the first 40 minutes were quite tepid. We didn't really keep the ball well enough and couldn't get into any proper rhythm. That said we were playing in tough conditions with the wind blowing strongly and as many crisp packets and sweet wrappers being blown onto the pitch as players. Steven Fletcher gave Wednesday the lead just before the break with a lovely dinked finish from Barry Bannan's pass. After that Rolando Aarons made it 2-0 not long after half time with his first goal for Wednesday. His growing popularity with the Owls fans was given another boost with that goal. Overall it was a pleasing result and if we do want to make the Play Offs those are the kinds of games that you need to win, not many will remember it as a classic but an important three points none the less.

 

Blackburn Rovers

 

After that win at Bolton the confidence was high around Hillsborough that we'd be able to back it up against Blackburn. I have to say that to have that bounce and belief around the club again in such a short space of time is great to see. Some cynics might put it down to the fickle nature of football fans but I genuinely think it down to the fact people believe in the manager and his ideology. This game was another example of the job Bruce and his coaching team have done. We took the lead again through in form Steven Fletcher not long after Sam Hutchinson had limped off injured. Not a bad way for Fletcher to celebrate his 100th appearance for Wednesday. Adthe Nuhiu scored a header to make it 2-0 after replacing Fletcher in the 2nd half. Blackburn to their credit played some decent football and were back in it when Craig Conway scored on 72. Dominic Iorfa again though proved to be a threat from a set piece making it 3-1 with a header before Marco Matias rounded off the afternoon with a fantastic pass from Nuhiu that he struck at Rovers' Keeper David Raya who fumbled it into his own net. They did pull one back but it was too little to late and Wednesday claimed the points. Again like Bolton, the conditions were tough, it was chucking it down at Hillsborough. They played some decent stuff and on another day it could have been a different result but too lose all your subs after just 56 minutes and win the game quite convincingly is to be applauded.

 

Stoke City

 

The final game of the month saw us travel to play Stoke City. Stoke have struggled this season but despite that they still have a very talented bunch of players there. The likes of Allen, Butland, Martins Indi, Shawcross are all top players and it was a game that worried me. Not in terms of thinking that we'd get thrashed but that of the games we have left a lot of fans were talking about this one as a banker of a win. A 0-0 draw sort of implies it was harder than people gave it credit for. Away from the result, It was fantastic to see Gary Hooper back on a team sheet for Sheffield Wednesday. It's been no secret that injuries have played a massive part in the fortunes of the club over the last 18 months or so, so to get such a key player back for the end of the season is a huge boost. Whether he will be here next season or not isn't clear but it'll be nice to see what he can do in the last month or so of the season. Hooper did play a part in the big talking point of the game which was George Boyd's disallowed goal. From watching it back I have to say I think the linesman maybe just got it right but even so a frustrating moment for Boyd who's taken quite a bit of stick recently. In fairness to him it's never easy to come in at the last minute like he did at Stoke when Rolando Aarons was injured in the warm up and he did OK. It wasn't vintage Wednesday from anyone.

 

So where does this leave us?

 

From my point of view, I'll keep saying what I said when Bruce came in. This is a long term project. I have full confidence in Bruce to keep improving us week by week. As for the play off push, I do think that last weekend was a key day in that race. Us dropping points and us winning does make it tough, having said that we still have to play a number of the teams in the race. Villa, Forest and Preston as well as Bristol City who in my opinion will finish in there anyway. It's still there, for me I'd just say enjoy the ride. Last time we were in the play offs the pressure was on us. If we somehow got in there we'd be playing with little pressure so from that point of view there is little to be too nervous about.

 

Some big games coming up, points to be won and lost all over the division. Hopefully whatever happens it can be a positive April.

 

Thanks for reading

 

Tom

 

WAWAW



Football Fans Conduct: Are we heading back to the bad old days?

I'll be honest, I didn't plan to write another blog until the end of the month. But the actions of some football 'fans' over the weekend have prompted me to write this. It won't be a greatly insightful piece I wouldn't imagine. More the ramblings of someone who isn't thick enough to run onto a football pitch.

The incident that has really prompted it is of course a Birmingham City fan running onto the pitch in Sunday's 2nd City Derby and assaulting Aston Villa's captain Jack Grealish. Now the first thing to say is that it was a shocking a horrible thing to see happen. It was the 2nd of three high profile incidents last weekend. Firstly a Hibernian fan confronting Rangers captain James Tavernier and an Arsenal fan running onto the pitch in Arsenal's 2-0 win over Manchester United and pushing Chris Smalling. Now we do see from time to time an idiot here and there run onto the pitch. That in itself while bad is nothing new. These incidents though seem to be slightly different. The Grealish one in particular for me stands out as a really bad sign. For starters the reaction to it, some (I must stress that word) Birmingham fans applauding off the moron who has been jailed and banned from all grounds for ten years. Now this isn't a criticism of Birmingham fans I'm sure most were disgusted by the actions of the moron but lets not pretend the applauding didn't happen or that there weren't songs about it going round afterwards. I have to say at this point Grealish's reaction was fantastic and he's conducted himself very well during and since the incident and he deserved to score the winner. My biggest concern about it is that many similar minded idiots from all around the country will see that and think "Oh well I fancy a bit of that" and we could well see other incidents blighting football. Another thing that I found odd was the cries of "We've never seen anything like this before". Let's rewind back to October 19th 2012. Sheffield Wednesday V Leeds United live on Sky. Chris Kirkland the then Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper was assaulted on the pitch by an invading Leeds United supporter after an equaliser. It was a shocking act to see and the reaction was similar although I do feel this incident with Grealish has got more coverage, why that is I don't know. Maybe it's just the speed of social media now being quicker than ever that it feels that way. I remember saying then that more needed to be done to stop people who want to do such stupid things. That season also saw crowd trouble between Millwall fans in the FA Cup semi final with a lot of people calling for points deductions and fines to try and stop these incidents.

For me I don't know how much a points deduction would realistically do, do these idiots who go to football matches to cause trouble really have the best interests of the club at heart? I don't know if they do to be honest. Lets say Wednesday got a points deduction for the idiot who threw the bottle at Jack O'Connell last Monday. Is that fair of the players, the Chairman or Steve Bruce? No I don't think it is. Bringing it back to Birmingham, would it be fair on the rest of the fans and the players and management at St Andrews if the were docked points for the moron who attacked Grealish? To me no but at the same time it's hard to think of many other possible punishments. Would a fine really do that much? OK maybe in the case of Birmingham who already face a possible points deduction for breaching FFP rules in the summer, it might have more impact at a club like that who need to watch the pennies but an Arsenal, are they going to do more to stop people running on the pitch if they got a fine? I'm not so sure.

Again I must stress this isn't me calling out Birmingham or Arsenal or Hibs for not controlling their fans. It's a football problem on the whole. It's also a society issue, is the uncertain future of the country having an impact on how people behave? In my opinion yes. Politics is something I tend to avoid talking too much about because you'll never find a discussion that doesn't end in arguments and people generally being daft but lets be honest. The country is a bit of a mess at the moment and peoples' behaviour is reflective of that. Football should be a fun and safe hobby for supporters but at the moment we're staring down the barrel of hooliganism becoming a massive issue like it was years ago. For me I'd rather we didn't see a return to those days, I'm sure 99% of people agree. We all enjoy the banter football rivalry can bring, we all I'm sure have a good laugh when rivals lose or don't achieve. We all have to take it on the chin when it doesn't go our way. What we shouldn't have to put up with is morons who want to spoil the game for the rest of us.

Thanks for reading,

Tom

Steel City Derby Preview: Will It Be A Manic Monday or A Magic Monday?

So here we are again, the nerves that have been in the background over the last few weeks have suddenly intensified, Twitter is awash with banter from both sides, ticket debates rumbling on, The Sheffield Star has about 50 articles a day about it. Yep, it's Derby week.

I've said before in these posts that I hate them, I hate the build up, I hate the nerves, I have very rarely enjoyed the actual football that takes place (even wins). I don't believe people who say they don't get nervous for this game on both sides of it. Wednesday's season has lets be honest been a bit rubbish but since the arrival of Steve Bruce and a recent upturn in form. It sets up for what could be a fantastic game of football on Monday night.

Sheffield United

OK, lets get the horrible bit out of the way first, Sheffield United come into this game ahead of the weekend's results 2nd in the Championship and it's hard to argue that they don't deserve to be there (though I'll have a damn good go). Any team who is 2nd in the division with 12 games to play has earned that right. While I don't think they are quite as good as the league position suggests it would be stupid to deny they've had an excellent season. They have a quite unique brand of football which does catch they eye. The most impressive thing I find with them is the way they deal with setbacks. This all goes back to the summer, the fact that the two co owners are in a legal battle over who will take full control of the club should and would at most other clubs have caused major issues but Wilder to his credit has not allowed that to be a distraction to his team and his supporters. It's fair to say over the years United haven't had a lot of patience with managers and with Kevin McCabe over certain things but at the moment you don't hear anything about him. Everyone there is pulling in the same direction something that until the last few weeks wasn't the case at S6.

 

In terms of how United will line up at Hillsborough it's hard not to see them reverting to type having had to make changes in recent weeks. The usual 352 formation with the overlapping centre backs will no doubt feature. Recently they have had to make changes due to injury but the likes of Jack O'Connell should be fit to play. It would be a surprise if Billy Sharp, United's leading marksman this season didn't start. Often this season he's started alongside former Owls loanee David McGoldrick. Both getting decent numbers this season. There is the possibility that another former Owl Gary Madine could start the game. Madine of course has scored in this fixture in the 2-2 draw back in October 2011. If I had to put money on it, I very much doubt Madine will start the game. I think Wilder would probably use him off the bench if need be. The midfield engine of Norwood, for me United's best player, Fleck and either Mark Duffy or Kieran Dowell will be key. If they turn up it's fair to say Wednesday will have to work hard to stop them. If they do drop a level though that could cost them dearly.

 

Right, enough of those Red and White so and so's. Onto the important part.

 

How do Wednesday Win This Game?

Steve Bruce will take to the touchline at Hillsborough for his first Sheffield Derby

A few weeks ago, I'd have probably called this section. How Can Wednesday Win this Game. However recent results have allowed Wednesday fans to think a little more optimistically. A Derby game does always throw up different things to the norm. Even if we'd lost seven in a row we'd still have a chance. Now it's actually a very good chance to win this game and not only keep our own slender (I do mean that) play off hopes alive but to take points of United in their battle to reach the Premier League.

 

As for on the pitch matters, Wednesday have reverted to a faster, high pressing brand of football in recent weeks. Chances are being created, the fact we've scored five goals in the last two games and maybe were disappointed to not have more shows how those games have gone. The other big change since the departure of Jos Luhukay is the clean sheets. 9 in 15 since the Dutchman left Hillsborough. That new found confidence in the defence makes the job of those further forward much easier. The other aspect of Wednesday's game which is pleasing the fans and is arguably more important than the other stuff is the fact we do the simple things well. When the ball needs to be cleared it gets cleared, when teams run at us we don't look scared to put in a tackle to stop them. We can keep hold of it in the midfield which we weren't doing so well in the first half of the season. A big issue we had at Bramall Lane is that whenever the ball did get cleared it came straight back. That shouldn't be the case this time if we turn up and carry on the form of the last few games.

 

Key men



Steven Fletcher in action against Millwall

The first key man for Wednesday will be striker Steven Fletcher, the last few weeks Fletcher's performances have been outstanding. He's lead the line fantastically well and has scored some fantastic goals. I have been one of his biggest critics since he arrived but if he continues this kind of form going forward he will be a real asset. He has big game experience as well which combined with his ability to move defenders around makes him a big threat against United. Last season he never really got into the game and United will be no doubt looking to do a similar job on him.

 

 

Barry Bannan will always for me be a massive threat to any team in this division. A great range of passing, he can potentially be the one who can unlock United's defence with a fantastic pass. Take some of the goal the other night against Brentford. Spotting Fletcher who he's linked up well with throughout their time at S6 and putting the perfect pass through for Fletcher to finish.

 

 

Fernando Forestieri will get his first taste of the Steel City Derby if he plays on Monday. A player who for me can win the game on his own. Bags of ability, even in a quiet game for him against Brentford he had an impact. It's the little things, the touches, the fake passes and shots. The burst of pace. If he's on that pitch on Monday, we have a chance.

 

Others of course will be under the spotlight, Rolando Aarons' performances have been good, several people have said they feel he can thrive on the derby atmosphere. Adam Reach of course will be hoping to add to his goal tally this season after netting twice against Swansea. Sam Hutchinson in the middle of the pitch in the form he's in is made for a game like this. Keiren Westwood between the sticks will be wanting to add a derby clean sheet to his collection and the likes of Lucas Joao if fit enough to play will have an impact.



Monday's referee Peter Bankes

 

Another factor to take into account is the man in the middle. No not Bannan or Hutchinson I'm on about Peter Bankes, the man given the responsibility of refereeing this game. Now please don't take what I'm about to say as anything other than a genuine opinion. It isn't me getting an excuse in early or slating a ref for the sake of it. I genuinely think Peter Bankes is one of the worst referees I have ever seen. He has several bad qualities, he lose control of games to easily, most games I have seen him referee in have had at least one confrontation between players, that to me says the players don't respect him. He also is inconsistent, pulling up for everything one minute then allowing everything the next. We actually benefited in the first half against Wigan in my opinion on his last trip to Hillsborough but that doesn't make it OK. I don't how he's got given such a big game. He shouldn't be refereeing professional football, he's woefully bad and as much as we'd all take a dodgy penalty win it would still take away from the win if it was decided by a poor decision. I've always said that I'd rather talk about tactics and good play than bad officiating. I don't think I'm alone in that view.

 

Another point that needs making is I think Wednesday have to use the crowd on Monday, it will be an electric atmosphere no doubt and that can be a massive advantage to Wednesday. Even though there will be more blades fans there this time than last year if Wednesday start well and get the crowd going not many teams can cope with that atmosphere. We've seen it before, Brighton, Newcastle, Cardiff, Arsenal have all faulted in recent years when the crowd gets going. Make it intimidating, make it hard for United's players. If they make a mistake, get on it, make them know they're in a game. That's the most unique thing about a derby for me, the vociferous nature of the crowd in reaction to normal everyday things you see.

 

Prediction

I'll start this part by saying that I don't believe you can ever be 100% confidant when trying to call a derby. So many different things will come into it. If both teams turn up it could be a cracking game. United are the favourites, while form does go out of the window. They are challenging for automatic promotion, they've been up there all year while we've struggled. They are favourites as much as some of their fans seem to want to play it down the pressure is on them. Not to say there isn't pressure on Wednesday but there will be less scrutiny on us. If we lose then I think most neutrals would say it was expected and focus more on the performance. From a fans point of view I think most sensible fans would say a draw would be a decent result but we actually have a very good chance of winning it. For me if Wednesday score first and keep the crowd on side then regardless of how good United are I think we would hold on. If United score first it would maybe play more into their hands. I'll say an optimistic 3-2 win for Wednesday. A thriller under the lights at Hillsborough.

 

 

Whatever the result, lets hope the game passes with as little incident away from the pitch as possible and Sheffield as a city does itself proud.

 

Thanks for reading,

 

Tom

 

WAWAW