Sheffield Wednesday - Mid Season Review

Megson has created a new era at Hillsborough

It is little over 12 months ago now, since Sheffield Wednesday found themselves in deep trouble financially, and at the risk of administration, after years of abuse of the football clubs. finances. Since the clubs' drop from the riches of the Premier Division in 2000 the club has suffered financial problems which has hampered their journey back to the promised land of the Premiership. In the past 12 seasons the club has endured slipping to League One twice, and the second time of slipping down the club struggled to come back, after finishing in a lower mid-table position last season.

Fast forward around a year or so, and the club sits 3rd in League One, with new owner Milan Manderic celebrating his years anniversary at the club, hailed as a hero to some Owls fans for saving them at the death. Who knows where the club would be now if the judge that day decided to put the club out of its misery and let them at the mercy of the administrators. Gary Megson was drafted in mid way through last season, and now he has had a full summer of re-shaping his team. The club looks more on the up than ever, a new buzzing feeling is around Hillsborough, something that fans haven't been able to do for a while.

'You'll never get past Semedo'
Jose Semedo has been a key player for The Owls

Signings such as Jose Semedo, David Prutton, Danny Batth and Ben Marshall all coming in (the latter two on loan) The club recorded 3 points at home against Rochdale on the first day of the season, in which The Owls won 2-0 and David Prutton netting his first goal for the club, a stunning goal in front of the kop sent The Wednesday into raptures. Then the season, especially away took a sour turn, with defeats to Bury and Stevenage and such hampering the teams morale. With calls of 'Megson Out' and fans walking out 20 minutes into the away trip to Stevenage, frustration was high as fans don't want another season in the third tier of English football, a sad mark for a club, rich in football history.

But, every cloud has a silver lining, and the turning point of our season came after the 5-1 defeat to Stevenage, since then, The Owls have lost 2 games in 16, and are also unbeaten at Hillsborough this season in all competitions. Having only dropped points to Brentford (0-0) and Huddersfield (4-4). The club are also into the 3rd round of the FA Cup where they play West Ham United, after defeating Morecambe and Aldershot respectively.

A new unity at Sheff Wed is clear to see

A new sense of fight is also at the club, something which wasn't seen much last season, The Steel City Derby is a fine example of fight, the squad didn't give in until the last minute of the game, and got their just reward of a 2-2 draw and Gary Madine writing his name into Sheffield Wednesday folklore with his goal in the last few minutes. The Huddersfield game could be seen as the team showing fight, as the side went 2-0 down to two Jordan Rhodes goals the side fought back and went 4-2 up at one point, to only throw it away in the literally last minute of stoppage time.

The club has had problems defensively of late, leaking six goals in the last two games, two of the goals coming in the last minute of matches. Six points which should have been claimed didn't. January poses a tough month for Sheffield Wednesday, with trips to Scunthorpe, which seems to be a bogey ground for the club, and a tricky test at MK Dons in the mix too, with a huge clash against Charlton at Hillsborough. January will be a big month, but the league won't look certain for any club until start of April to Mid April. The league its self is so close, a few bad results and your out of the play-offs, a few good ones and your in with a shot of promotion.

To say where the club has come from in the past 12 months. The re-building work has been amazing a huge tribute has to be made to the board the new owners, the supporters for backing the team, our loyal fan base has kept this club running for years, without the fan support we have had, this club would be in a lot worse of a state than it was.

So far so good in my opinion for this season, lets hope the club can sort this little blip of form out against Preston on New Year's Eve at Deepdale and get three crucial points. The season is far from over, but if we continue like we are doing, we will be in the mix come May. Our return to the promised land continues until then, but our time will come, the club is upon a new era, and exciting and happy times will soon be back at S6.

Хвала Milan (Thanks Milan) Sheff Wed fans banner
dedicated for Milan Mandaric

One Gary Speed

As you was all tucking into the traditional Sunday roast of a cold winter November day, none of you would have been expecting to witness on the news, or to receive messages from friends, that Gary Speed had passed away, I sure wasn't watching the news at dinner time, I had to re-read twice and listen twice as the reporter broke the news of the former Premiership stars death. In an even more shocking turn of events an hour or so later, grim details came out that he took his own life. Why he did this, is still unclear, so I won't speculate about the subject.

The news rocked the football world, with people feeling, numb, cold, shocked, by the news. The news came just hours before Swansea were set to play Aston Villa at the Liberty Stadium, the tribute which was paid, was very moving, a standing ovation, for one of Wales' best players, and potentially could have been one of the greatest managers too, as Speed was looking at turning the Welsh woes to a thing of the past, with recent wins over, Switzerland, Montenegro and Norway.

'One Gary Speed' rang round the ground that Sunday afternoon in Swansea, and other clubs followed suit as and when their games suited, Shay Given, a close friend of Speed, was tearful before the sides kicked off for the game, which ended in a 0-0 draw. Understandably, the players minds would have been elsewhere that day.

Tributes poured in from all over the football world, and general public, most people commented with the same opinions and thoughts of him, as a 'good bloke' 'geniune person' 'father figure in football'. Robbie Savage, a close friend of Speeds, is tearful as he gives an interview live on the BBC shortly after his death is announced

Bolton was one of the clubs Speed played
for during his career

Gary Speed's former clubs included, Leeds United, Bolton Wanderers, Everton, Newcastle United, and Sheffield United, he was the first player to have surpassed 500 Premier League appearances, in his club career he scored 103 goals from 677 appearances. He is also Wales most capped outfield player with 85 caps, and 7 goals to go with this. He also was skipper at every club he has been at, a true inspirational leader it goes to say.

Quotes, came in around the clock for Speed, as news broke of his death,

"I was given the tragic news this morning. To say I am devastated is an understatement."- Aaron Ramsey

"Gary was a magnificent person, bright, fun and a wonderful family man - he lit up every room he walked into. I am proud to have been his friend and will miss him dreadfully." - Alan Sheaer

"He was an amazing and talented player, one who had a glittering career, and he had just started a great career in management.- David Beckham

Speed's legacy on the pitch and how to behave away from the pitch will be one to hold up to youngsters in the future, as Speed never got himself into bother, he also made time for other people, a true gent on an off the field of play, he shyed away from the media spot light, and lived a very private and average life, unlike certain players of today. He never was in the press for bad things. A true role model.

'One Gary Speed'

To round off this tribute to Speed, I will leave below a couple of videos, of fan tributes to the late, great, former Premiership football player, the football world has lost, a great potential manager, but the world has lost, a great gentleman.

He leaves behind a wife and two children.

RIP Gary Speed 8th September 1969 - 27th November 2011

Gone... But not forgotten

Derby Day - What Does It Mean

Sheff Wed players go and celebrate with their fans

When the new batch of fixtures are released over the summer, fans of clubs across the nation eagerly await when they will face their city, or local rivals in the football league calender, with the date very thickly rounded on the calender at home, usually noted down as 'derby day'.

Forgive neutral fans who may ask, why is 'Sheff Wed vs Sheff Utd so huge, its a League One derby'. To fans of other sides, its just a derby in the fixture calender which is just like watching another derby as a neutral. Say to them, why is the Forest vs Notts County derby so big, you'll get a differance response from their sets of fans. Only fans of the clubs involved know how much these two fixtures mean to them, no one else.  

Passion, Pride, Heart, Desire, Determination judge
the outcome of derby matches

A Derby game for me, is two stand alone home and away fixtures of the season, the form book goes out of the window, and its who has the most, heart, passion, and determination to be victorious by full time. Some fans will say this is their biggest game of the season and they don't care what happens to them, so long as they do the double. Its okay saying this, especially if you're a smaller club who isn't expected to do much. For larger clubs, such as both Sheffield sides for example, these kind of comments shouldn't even be said, as both sides should be rallying for promotion over anything else. A derby victory is nice, but to watch your side have the double done over them by your city rivals, is   
a small price to pay if you see the side you love lift the trophy at the end of the season.

Are foriegn players taking the passion out of derbies on the pitch?

Some sides in the football league do not have a 'city' rivalry, which I feel actually is the only pure derby you can have in honesty. Doing one over your city rivals is better than anything else. Fans of Cardiff, Swansea, Leicester, Derby may disagree, none of these sides share city rivalries with league sides. All are 'local' derbies, but will still carry the same passion to their sets of fans.

One sad thing I do think is, in the higher leagues, 'derby day' has lost its touch on the pitch, and its starting to lose it in the lower leagues too, the passion between the fans will always stay the same, on the pitch, with the introduction of more foreign players, who don't understand what this game means to everyone, they may have an idea, but not a full idea. Players who have grown up in the area and played for their boyhood clubs know exactly what it means, Steve Gerrard, Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney are fine examples. Two played for the red side of Mersyside, the other the Blue, and they will know how much more this game means, than someone from the continent. The same example can be drawn to foreign players playing in Europe too I guess.

One thing, I do disagree about derby days, is the fact it is an excuse to go out and fight and 'rep' your club. I know and understand all the passion of a derby match having been present during our recent trip to Bramall Lane, the atmosphere was buzzing from both sets of fans, passion was on the pitch and the will to win was there from both sides, fans having bits of banter during the game, made the occasion what it should be. But it shouldn't be taken any further than this. Whats the point, its a game of football at the end of the day, and seriously, is there any need to actually go out and kill, stab, or badly injure somebody in the 'name' of your club, you bring shame to the side. Not pride.


Whether you go and watch, Plymouth vs Exeter, Sheff Wed vs Sheff Utd, Cardiff vs Swansea, two non-league sides compete in their derby of the season, the passion will always be the same between the fans.

Should We Change The Play-off System?

Should the Football League change the Play-off structure?

Across the Football League, the play-offs are an exciting time of the season, they can make or break your season, four teams finishing outside the promotion spots, have their chance to gain promotion to the next level, currently the system is set in a ranked way, the top play-off side plays the bottom and the middle two play each other, over two legs, with the goal of getting to Wembley for a 90 minute winner takes all match.


How about, if we change the system so its a lot fairer, as I think the system is a tad unfair perhaps, you play one side in your play-off area, and then get to the final. Why not pit your team against all four sides in a mini-league round robin competition. Where the two highest ranked sides have the extra home advantage.. Sounds complicated, yes?. Let me explain...

You have four teams,

1st West Ham (C)
2nd Middlesborough (P)
------------------------------
3rd Hull City
4th Ipswich
5th Cardiff
6th Middlesborough

So there's your table..

Hull vs Cardiff
Ipswich vs Middlesborough
Ipswich vs Cardiff
Hull vs Ipswich
Cardiff vs Middlesborough
Middlesborough vs Hull

Basically, the two highest ranked sides, will have TWO home advantages, whilst the lower ranked sides won't have two home advantages, they will have only ONE. The games could be played easily over 2 weeks, and the eventual winner of the round robin table claims the last play-off spot, so it adds a little more spice and fairness to all the teams, that they have to prove themselves against everyone, not just two sides. Before you jump on my back and have a go about ticket prices, all these games should have specially reduced prices for games such as £5-£10, and should be free to ST holders.

It would generate a little extra revenue for the clubs at the end of the season, and also add some more excitement to the season. Although I doubt a change like this would be made by the Football League. A lot of people would argue, getting to Wembley is what makes the season so worthwhile, I understand that, theres nothing like seeing your team triumph at Wembley no doubt. I am just passing on a thought or two about the play-off structure!

Manchester City - A Ticking Time Bomb of Arrogance and Money

Sergio Aguero is one of many 'Galatico' Players

Spending multi-millions on players over the past couple of seasons, Manchester City, have a team which are the English 'Galácticos'. The term being coined from Real Madrid having the world elite squad, with the likes of Luis Figo, Zinadine Zidane, David Beckham and Ronaldo in their team in the early part of last decade. Fast forward to 2011 and you have the names such as Tevez, Aguero, Silva, Balotelli, in the ranks. Having all these world class players in your side, seems like a fantastic idea on paper. But a team is not based down to individuals, a team is based on how good they work together, you can have a world class team, and fail, if they do not perform well together on the pitch. Yet, on the flip side of the coin you can have a team of players who aren't that good yet play well together and achieve success, an example for this is Stevenage, no offence intended to Stevenage fans here. But they are a side who gained promotion from the BSP two seasons ago, now find themselves going to places such as, Hillsborough, Bramall Lane, Deepdale etc. A huge change to going to places such as Forest Green and Southport on a Saturday.

Stevenage are an example of a team who works well together

So what I am trying to say is, you can achieve success without spending multi-millions. Now back to Manchester City, I feel, their downfall is a very simple one, and that is, they have too many world-class players on the pitch, and too many sat on the bench, they can field two very strong Premiership sides, these players are becoming frustrated with the lack of action in the team, as they're used to seeing their names on the team sheet when they play due to them being first choice at their old club, and also on the international basis too. Remember the other season with all the in-fighting at Man City, that is one of the recipes for disaster with having too many big name players in your side, its all about balance. Chelsea suffered a similar problem with squad rifts and player unhappiness, and it cost them a huge bill and they lost money hand over fist to resolve it. Look at Manchester United, they have a well balanced squad with a few world class players and then they have those that rung or two down from the elite, and they win trophies left right and centre.

Man City could face a big downfall

The second part of Man City's downfall will be money, eventually their owners will get bored of their 'toy' or whatever you want to call it, and will walk away, leaving the club to rot away, you cannot pay an entire side 200k per player per week, and sustain a profit, even if you was paying them over 100k a week, you cannot sustain a profit, end of the day, football is a business, if your not making money, you'll eventually walk away. I fear for the future of the club due to this, all these players will be tied onto stupid money deals, and they wont want to let go of them. Players greed and arrogance will be the downfall of this club, and its going to end in tears, for fans and players alike.

Premiership Football - A Road To Riches Or Ruins?

The Premier Divison can make or
break your side sometimes

The Premier Division, is the richest, most attractive and powerful football division in the world. This season sees the 19th season of the division. In this article I will talk about, is the division really a road to riches or is it a road to ruins of your club. Since its creation 45 teams have participated in the division.

 Over the years, money has been ploughed into the top flight of English football but this has lead to problems for many clubs, but great things for others. Bradford City, Coventry City, Sheff Wed, Sheff Utd, Swindon Town, Oldham Athletic and Leeds United are just a few clubs to have suffered problems since their drop from the elite division. In reality, if you get to the Premier Division you need to stay there. Promotion to the the top flight is potentially worth around £150 million to the club. The play-off final in The Championship has become the biggest game in the game potentially, with £90 million at stake to be won, for the winner of the match, its dubbed the 'million pound a minute' match.

Wolves fans celebrate another season of
Premiership football

So what if, your club manages to stay up in your first season of promotion, that's great, fantastic news, you have established yourself as a potential solid Premiership side, you will then have more money to spend for the following season, more players will be attracted to you, as they see you as a much more stable club to go to, now that you managed to show what you can do. Take Stoke City for example, they have been a successful and consistent Premier Division team for many seasons, finishing safely in mid-table, they don't spend a lot, but get results, that's what matters, it works for them. They are,  a solid Premiership team who look in no danger of going down soon.

'The best trip weve ever been on'
Blackpool fans are going back to Burnley

But what happens if the 'best trip you've ever been on' suddenly becomes 'the worst trip you have ever been on'. Parachute payments were brought in by the football league to ensure that clubs did not suffer financial hardship after relegation from the top flight. These payments are not really enough to regenerate a promotion push, but they are there to help with the gaps in revenues, for example, TV money, lower gates, player wages etc. Not many teams can say they bounce back quickly from relegation from the top flight, only a select few teams come to mind, Birmingham, West Brom are two. By a quick bounce back I am talking one or two seasons.

Charlie Adam was a cruical player for Blackpool last season

The major problem after being relegated is keeping your key players, Blackpool have had this problem, losing several players, including Charlie Adam. Then you have to replace these players, with lesser standard players or anyone you can afford. With this comes the breakdown sometimes of the team, so effectively you are starting with a fresh slate, which is a shame. But if your side can stay up, there is a bigger chance they will stay together, but also staying up can mean losing your key players to larger teams. Its a horrible place to be in, being a 'smaller' Premier League side, the financial powerhouses of, Man City, Man Utd, Chelsea, Liverpool etc, can bully clubs into selling players and offering lucrative wages to their man. The club is of course forced to sell.


Sadly, some teams will never come back to the top flight for the foreseeable future after their glory years evaporated, teams such as, Oldham, Swindon, Barnsley, Sheff Wed, Sheff Utd, Hull Ciy, Blackpool, will all face long waits before their moment of glory will come back to them, if ever. It can take years, or decades for clubs to find their way to top flight football, Swansea are a team who have waited over two decades to get back to the top division in English football.

The Importance Of Pre-Season

The Emerites Cup
Is one of many cups hosted by larger sides

With the new season fast approaching, clubs take part in pre-season games against other sides either in their home country or go on 'tour'. Chelsea, Liverpool and Sheffield Wednesday are teams who have played on tour this season. Some teams have their own cup competitions for example 'The Emerites Cup' is played on an annual basis at The Emerites Stadium, its very similar to the Amsterdam Cup hosted by Ajax. The larger teams need to play against tougher opposition, to put them more to the test and get them back into the rhythm of top flight, fast paced football. The Emerties Cup this year is hosting, Arsenal, PSG, New York Red Bull and Boca Juniors. Previous years teams such as Real Madrid, Inter, Lyon and Juventus have participated. 

Selecting your pre-season game choices can be tricky sometimes, the majority of pre-season games are held on a local basis, you wouldn't get many teams go the length of the country for one pre-season game, its just a fitness exercise after all. Its also a chance for new players to get to grips with the style of play of their new team and bond with their team mates. Its the time of the year where the playing positions are up for grabs, the number one jersey, the best central back pairing, midfield line, and forward pairings also.

Smaller sides pre-season needs, differ to
bigger sides pre-season needs

There is no point in sides such as the likes of, Southport, Tamworth, Blyth etc. Playing against top flight teams all the time. The odd game to boost the gate is a good idea, but when the side gets turned over three or four nil for their troubles it doesn't boost morale, but at the same time you need to select a pre-season programme which will pose some challenge to the players, as well as some easier games to boost morale and not put the side under lots of pressure. Think about it, if you have selected a really hard pre-season programme and lose every game by three to four goals, the team may be in a good physical shape, but on a mental basis the confidence and morale would be at rock bottom.

Pre-season can benefit smaller sized clubs,
with boosted gates for big games

Some smaller clubs can actually coin in on the pre-season programme in asking the likes of Chelsea or Man Utd for example to play them in a friendly. Leicester City will be getting a large gate receipt, when Real Madrid play at The Walkers in late July.

With a few weeks left of pre-season its the crucial time for managers to see what else needs improving within the sides before the season kicks off, although these games may be tedious and boring, its a very crucial part of the football season, if not, one of the most important parts of the football season. 

SWFC - Fans View

The Fans View!

As the new season nears, Sheffield Wednesday fans will be hoping for a much better season on the field after last seasons rollercoaster ride on and off the pitch. I have asked several questions to some Sheffield Wednesday fans about their views on the upcoming season and about the club as a whole. Enjoy reading!.



.




1. What are your thoughts of last season, on and off the field?

Tommy -  'Last season was a severe disappointment yet also a rude awakening for us as lets be fair we all expected to waltz the league and be preparing for the championship now. Instead we took thrashings on the road at places like Exeter & Tranmere. It all started so well aswell, comfortably sitting in the top two at Christmas due to good results such as the away victory over Hartlepool before plummeting down the league quicker than united spiral into debt'

Carly -  'I think Last season was up and down, there was so many high expectations and pressure to go straight back up to the championship, that fans just got disappointed when the team went through a bad patch but towards the end the team and manager pulled together and started playing football like the Wednesday we know.'

Liam -  'Last season was a nightmare post-Christmas. Started the season well in 2nd place going into the festive season and I started to feel confident in the lads that we can bounce back at the 1st attempt. Sadly, the 5-1 thumping at Exeter started a downward spiral. Never really recovered until April when we started to win games again when it was too late.'

Lewis -  'Last season in terms of progression on the pitch, was an absolute shambles, we had a squad that was more than capable of getting the necessary results, but obviously that wasn't the case. Off the pitch was entirely different... Eventually, I and many other Wednesday fans were close to tears as the winding up orders and court dates came around in full force, until of course Milan Mandaric came in and saved us.'

2. With a new era upon us, how strong do we currently look this season?

Tommy - 'We don't really look that strong in fairness we are lacking strength in depth aswell as several first teamers to improve us on last season i would say at the moment we are currently weaker than last season despite the additions we have made'

Carly -  'I feel very positively about this season, some great new signings, a fitter squad and I think we have a very high chance of qualifying for the play offs'

Liam - 'In my opinion, we look stronger. Megson has got rid of the crap in Teale, Potter, etc which can only be seen as a positive and we have signed better replacements.'

Lewis - 'We look much stronger, obviously with the likes of Bennett and Prutton for example, being rated much higher than those they replaced, we also look financially sound, which is an unusual feeling as a Wednesday fan.' 

3. Are you satisfied with the signings of, Jones, Prutton, Semedo and Bennett?  

Rob Jones

Tommy - 'Having been fortunate to witness both games of pre season so far i have been impressed with the signings, Jones we know from his time here last season where he impressed quite a lot and lead with example this earning him move back and the captains armband. Jose Semedo for me is a real coup one of our title rivals captain and player of the season on a free who goes about his business quietly, His central midfield partner in Prutton is a real battler strong in the tackle and his range of passing is something else. Julian Bennett for me is the key signing so far turning one of our weakest spots into a strength is a good move by Megson, he is very vocal and commanding and willing to look for the overlap all the time.' 

Carly - 'These signings are great, and are strengthening the squad for next season, I am most definitely satisfied'  

David Prutton

Liam -  'Rob Jones was always a fans favourite. Worked hard, won most balls in the air and we chanted "Sign him up" when he went off in the final match of the season.

Prutton is a tank in the centre of midfield. Great signing and controlled the ball well at Worksop at the weekend.

 


Semedo is a good signing. Charlton's player of the season for 10/11 and they release him? Their loss is our gain.

I've heard great things about Bennett, particularly from Nott'm Forest fans. Never afraid to put a tackle in and putting in decent crosses in the box and he's chips in with the odd goal every now and then so all in all another great signing.'

Lewis - 'I'm delighted with them, especially Bennett and Semedo who are rated highly by both their former clubs respectively. I'm also pleased to have secured Rob Jones, who I believe will be a key figure this season, likewise with Prutton.'

4. Which areas (if any) would you like to see improved before the season starts? 

Tommy - 'Ideally we need two strikers as we only have the 2 (Madine & Clinton) on our books at the moment and this is insufficient for us to compete, The rumored two signings of Mellor & COG would please me we all know Mellor knows where the goal is from last season and lets not forget he only played half the season. COG is a different option for us he is versatile and can play winger which would be ideal for the rumored 4-3-3 tactic we wish to play i also believe we could do with two more wingers Marc Pugh of Bournemouth & Myles Weston of Bournemouth would be ideal in my opinion.'

Carly - 'Before the season starts I would like to see team spirit improved, to make sure it's the Wednesday we all know who never give up.'
 
Liam - 'Quite simple. We need a striker (or 2)! Morrison and Madine need back-up. If we can sign Mellor and O'Grady then great. If not we'll have to look elsewhere, but we need at least 1 before August 6th. Another winger as well we need, someone like Dyer.' 

Lewis - 'For me, we need more attacking options, it's plain to see that we need suitable cover for both Madine and Morrison. I'd like to see Neil Mellor make a return, and one other, I'm unsure on who.
I also think we're slightly lacking in wide men too, Jermaine Johnson is often liable to injury and Chris Sedgwick/Daniel Jones aren't consistent enough for me.'

5. Views on Milan Mandaric? 

Milan is a Saviour at S6

Tommy - 'Milan is a hero for rescuing the club in it's darkest hour no doubt about that. However I am concerned with his record of hiring and firing managers, the best thing a club needs is stability. I would like to see him provide funds, providing it's the right players rather than wheeler dealing which we have seen so far. But I wouldn't want him to throw stupid amounts just to be sensible. However I do trust him wholly and trust his judgement.' 

Carly - '3 letters...GOD. He's been a huge impact on Wednesday and thank god he came to the rescue.'  

Liam - 'He saved the club. Enough said.'

Lewis - 'Milan Mandaric, to me is the 'savior' of our club, it's clear to see he cares about what we, the fans, think and is pushing to make sure we are financially sound for the future. A legend in many respects.'

'Megson has good support from fans'

6. Views on Gary Megson? 

Tommy - 'I wasn't entirely pleased with the appointment at first however he has won me over and i hope he does succeed it's just whether Milan has the patience to give him the time to do this.'

Carly - 'Gary Megson has had a huge impact on the squad, since he has been in charge. I along with other Wednesday fans have seen a huge improvement in the players' fitness and performance.'

Liam - 'Megson wasn't my first choice but I said I was prepared to give him a chance to see what he can do and I was doubting him when we were perilously close to the drop zone but he saved us and now since it's a new season, I'm wiping the slate clean and it's a new start for him.'

 Lewis - 'Obvious Gary Megson has strong connections to the club, he's known as being a Wednesdayite himself, as well as both him and his father playing here in their careers. He's a respectable manager, who knows the game in and out, the signings he has made are looking to be promising, only time will tell. He has my full support.'

7. And finally… Where do you think we’ll finish this season?

Tommy - 'Playoff winners.' 

Carly -  'I hope we'll finish in the play offs, my prediction is 5th.'

Liam - 'Well, like all SWFC fans, I want promotion even if it is through the dreaded play-off system and I'm sure most fans would back me on that Screw the League Cup/FA Cup/Johnstone's Paint Trophy. I want nothing more than promotion. Winning the league would be a bonus. Top 6 is the minimum we should be aiming for in my view.'

Lewis - 'Promotion is a must, no question about it, the fans won't accept anything less, neither will Mandaric, I'd love to see a top 2 finish but I predict we'll finish 3rd to 5th.'

Cheers for the comments everyone, much appreciated!

In this blog -

Tommy Tomlinson
Carly Uttley 
Liam Kelly 
Lewis Waddingham  

Sheffield - A City Divided

The Steel City Derby returns to Sheffield this season as The Owls and The Blades find themselves competing in the third tier of English football this season. The Owls have spent seven seasons in their history in the third tier of English football whilst The Blades have spent five seasons at this level. Although Sheffield United are the only team out of the two to have played in the basement of the football league.

The 126th Steel City Derby will be played at Bramall Lane in October whilst the return game will be played in February at Hillsborough. Its the first time the two clubs have been at this level since 1979. Older Sheffield Wednesday fans will remember the 'boxing day massacre' on the 26th of December of that season, in which The Owls won 4-0.

Around 4 miles separate the two sides from each other, the cities passion for football is one of the best in the country, despite both sides having major ups and downs. In the past decade The Blades have had the upper hand on their steel city neighbours on and off the field, with The Blades playing Premiership football during Sheffield Wednesdays slow decline of their 'glory years'. Sheff Wed fans can look back with good memories as being Sheffield's top club during the 1980s and 1990s. The tide is now starting to change once more, who is Sheffield's top club now? Well Sheffield Wednesday fans will tell you its them, if you ask Sheffield United fans, they will say they are. As a Sheffield Wednesday fan myself, I feel both sides are now on an even scale, perhaps Sheff Wed having an upper hand now, considering off the field activities seem to have switched directions for both sides.

Staying with the financial activities of both sides, The Blades have seen problems mount with their debts and huge wage bills, which need to be resolved sooner rather than later. I feel Sheffield United are in a similar position to what Sheffield Wednesday have been in over the past few years, and that is, a board who's got no real ambition, whom doesn't want to pump money into the team, adding onto this, fans who are expecting big things to happen, the Sheffield United managers job is a very tough job at the moment. The estimated debts of The Blades has been suggested to be around £40 million.

Meanwhile in the blue and white side of Sheffield a new era was born last season when Milan Mandaric saved the club at the wire and gained control of the club outright, financial stability has been long awaited for Sheffield Wednesday fans, the real sense of drive and change is buzzing around Hillsborough as the club prepares for a very big season ahead.

Both Sheffield clubs joined forces this season in a very first 'joint city' sponsorship deal, which has caused different thoughts and emotions amongst supporters, one bright side is both sides are appearing to sponsor local business in Sheffield and that is surely a good thing for both clubs and communities in the city. Rumours started to stir that this was a step towards both clubs becoming one or contemplating a ground share which would not go down well with fans, what so ever. Sheffield Wednesday moving from Hillsborough would be like Manchester United moving from Old Trafford. It just can't happen.

For those of you who don't support either side, here's a few stats below which may be of interest to you, Blades and Owls you may want to click 'x' now...


After 125 Derbies -
Sheff Wed wins - 41
Sheff Utd wins - 49
Draws - 39

League Doubles -
Sheff Utd - 10
Sheff Wed - 6

Biggest Victories -
Sheff Utd 7-3 Sheff Wed
Sheff Wed 4-0 Sheff Utd

25 players have played for both sides in Steel City derbies, Alan Quinn is the only player to have scored for both sides in a derby.

Danny Wilson is the first manager ever to have managed both steel city teams.

Sheffield Wednesday Preview - League One 11/12

Sheffield Wednesday, will be looking for bouncing back to the Championship on the second time of asking this season after a disappointing season in League One. A season which saw more than just poor performances on the field, off field issues also were heating up to boiling point.

Dubbed as favorites to go up last season, with a quality team on paper, it seemed like the only way was up after signing up experienced higher league players such as Clinton Morrison and Gary Teale. Sadly this was not the case at S6 after a good start to the season, the club stalled and never really recovered its form from the start of the season. Boardroom and financial issues started to become more and more apparent as the season went on with several winding up orders issued to the club, several prospective buyers came and went, for several different reasons.

Owning Sheffield Wednesday was like having the kiss of death in a sense, taking on rising debts, a former giant of English football with annoyed fans of the plight of their loved club who want to see them return to the top tier at some point. One thing what does sway in a good way for the club is the large fan base which has supported the club in recent years even when times have been harsh and grim.

A new era is upon The Owls

After a very confidential and 'rushed' deal Milan Mandaric became the new owner of the football club, at the death, to save the club from slipping into administration which would have been a huge, huge set back for the club, and probably a set back which would last decades, rather than years.

Now financial stability has returned to the club after around 15 years of it being absent, a new feel and good vibe was at the club, the sense of moving forward and seeing lights at end of the long dark tunnel was starting to shine through. Sadly the high of being safe off the field was quickly forgotten as on field problems started to mount. Irvines time was eventually up after a 5-3 defeat to Peterborough at London Road, a game in which The Owls took the lead three times and managed to lose three times and then go on to lose. Irvine had time in January to sign players but it wasn't enough to get the club out of the rut and Mandaric had to make the hard choice of cutting him free.

Gary Megson was appointed and fortunes did not change much for the team, still performing poorly in the first few games of his tenure, but I personally feel something changed nearer end of the season a better vibe was felt in the team, the side looked more confident, despite the owls bowing out of the season to a 2-1 defeat to Exeter at Hillsborough on the final day, which got a mixed reception from fans. Overall the season report card came back as 'improvment desperately needed'.

So... After a long summer break and so far a decent pre-season the club seems to be preparing for potentially a huge season. Fans will want to see something change, the players need to repay the fans for awful performances of last season, with sometimes fans crying shouts of 'Your not fit to wear the shirt'. Quite understandable when you get trounced by the likes of Exeter, Leyton Orient away and getting smashed by struggling Plymouth at Hillsborough.

Owls fans will be hoping for more cheers of joy this season

Megson wasted no time in getting rid of the dead wood of the team, but there has been more outs than In's so far at the club, David Prutton, Rob Jones, Jose Semedo and Julian Bennett all signing up at S6. With three weeks before the start of the season Megson himself is concerned now with the lack of activity, and myself, for the first time this season I am becoming concerned with it. Some fans have been concerned for months but I always felt things were in hand and we are just being sensible, I think time has come now to really say what are we doing this season. The club want to see the side compete in The Championship next season, some steps have been taken towards this, a few more need to be taken to ensure this or at least make a serious challenge for promotion back to at least some sense of pride of our club.

The next few weeks at S6 will be interesting, expect more names to be coming into the club, but lets not get ahead of ourselves, just because we are 'Sheffield Wednesday' does not mean we should automatically win the title, nor should it mean we under-estimate smaller sides as 'who'?. This attitude last season really back fired, who were Exeter?... Well I tell you who, a side who creamed us 5-1 away and 2-1 at home.

Team GB In International Football?

Should we opt for a 'Team GB'

As the 2012 London Olympics come ever closer, the time is near for the selection process of our international football side to be submitted, with all the news surrounding this, it made me think should we have a team GB in international football all together. My thought on this will become clear to see as you read on...

The benefits of having a team GB are there to see, unlocking great talent such as Gareth Bale to play along the likes of John Terry and Wayne Rooney. Combining talent is a brilliant idea and potentially could give us a better chance of winning a international competition, also Great Britain can all join as one every so often and enjoy the array of talent on offer to see. England have several problems within their side which need to be ironed out, the left wing role has been an achillies heel in the England set-up for a very long time, Bale could change the squad if a team GB was actually put in motion.

But at the same time you are totally killing the history and tradition of our home nation teams, having that idenity as a seperate nation is what makes international football so special. Lets be honnest, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland have always been and always will be, for the foreseeable future the whipping boys of international football. England is the only nation of the home nations which has a strong side, and at best we are still poor compared to the likes of Spain and Brazil. Also 90% of this 'Team GB' would be English, unless some sort of rule was passed that the match squad must contain 25% of players from each home nation (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland). But in theory this would actually make our side weaker, than having our home nations. To England fans anyway, for the fans of the other three home nations its a brilliant idea if they want to see success.

Also who would hold the right to host 'Team GB' matches, all the home nation sides have national stadiums, three of which would be unused, or potentially four being rotated which would be a nightmare for the FA after spending so much money on Wembley Stadium. Just to gift the team GB home ground at Wembley Stadium would not go down well at-all with fans. A rotational system would be fair but leave the grounds empty the majority of the time, whats the point in a national stadium if you wont use it regular.

The main reason we will never see a team GB play on a wider scale other than in the Olympics is mainly due to the fans and the respecitve FAs of each nation. I personally would not want to see a team GB, the history of our home nations should be cherished and kept as it is now, you'll be effectivley erasing decades upon decades of history, be it the great, the bad or the embarassing. Nothing is greater than seeing our home nations in action against each other, the pride and passion which goes with it is fantastic, having a team GB would end all of this and for what, to get our hopes up for winning an international competition for us to bottle it in the quaters as per and oh, lose on penalties too.

Football Terraces - Should They Come Back?

The debate of bringing terraces back to football properly, in every division in England has been a long standing and controversial debate. Rules have been relaxed since the Hillsborough disaster of terraces but still in the top two tiers of English football terracing is pretty much banned. If you are a newly promoted side, you need to replace or close the terraced stand after a few seasons in the Championship. Move into the Premiership and terracing is still a big no.

The thrill of a football terrace is far greater than being seated in a state of the art football ground. Strange enough, on most away games, away fans usually stand up in seated sections of the ground anyway, so what difference would it make just to have designated standing areas in all the divisions, it is a financial headache for clubs who start to punch above their weight.

Soon as questions are asked about terraces coming back properly. Hillsborough is the first reason on the list of No's why it shouldn't come back, I can see the argument for this, because it could potentially happen again, also its a bit of an insult to all those who have died in terrace related disasters. But lets be honest there was a lot more to The Hillsborough Disaster than terraces on the April afternoon in 1989. Poor policing and out of control fans who had too much to drink are to blame for this, both sides were at fault for this day, everyone has blood on their hands from this terrible tragedy which unfolded in Sheffield. I will always stick by that thought that not one side was to blame.

Liverpool fans are just as much to blame as police at Hillsborough

If policed and organised in a proper manner, football terraces can work, they are used across Europe these days, football has changed from the hooliganism of the 70s,80s and 90s. The game is much more peaceful and fans can actually go enjoy the game much more. I really cannot see a huge problem with having certain standing areas in all grounds across the UK. It just has to be regulated.

A League One Fans View - SWFC

Since our relegation in 2000 from the Premiership, the Owls have struggled to get back to the 'promised land' of the Premier League. During this time we have faced many battles on and off the field, with numerous managers comming and going and the club enduring financial turmoil and having to scrape by on shoe string budgets. Having spent a few seasons in what was called the 'old divison one' The Owls were relegated in the 02/03 season which condemmed them to playing the likes of, Brentford, Tranmere, Chesterfield, back then. Something which was a tad alien to the fans after so many years of visiting places like Old Trafford and Anfield.

The Owls kicked off their season in the third teir of English football in the 03/04 season with expectations of comming straight back up, but the entire opposite happend with The Owls ending up in 16th place and avoiding relegation by three points.

The 04/05 season kicked off in a similar style to The Owls last season, and after a poor run of form Chris Turner was dismissed and (Sir) Paul Sturrock a hero still to many here at S6 managed to get the club moving in the right direction and back up the league, which resulted in Wednesday getting promoted via the play-offs beating Hartlepool United 4-2 on a fine summers afternoon in Cardiff. Sheffield Wednesday fans flocked in their numbers taking 40,000+ on the day Wednesday fans could smile for the first time in years.

Sturrock is still a hero to some at S6

Going into the 05/06 campagin with little money to spend The Owls managed to graft and grate their place for another season in the Championship after finnishing 19th. The Owls continued to swan around the Championship and had their highest league finnish since their relegation in the 06-07 season, finnishing 9th, 4pts outside the play-off places, The Owls never equalled or bettered the heights of that season and started to slide down the league. 

The 09/10 season was to be Sheffield Wednesdays' final season as a Championship club, after finnishing 22nd in the league after a final day showdown vs Crystal Palace at Hillsborough for the right to play in the league the next season, not to say some luck went Wednesdays way in the sense of the club had the lifeline if a last day fight due to Palaces' financial woes. The game ended 2-2, The Owls have been relegated again to League One, and now face long trips to Exeter and Yeovil a sad mark for once one of Englands most famous football clubs. 

 Yet so near, but yet so far, Owls fans face anohter League One stint

'Milans Millions' Saved SWFC

The season just gone has marked a new era and change for Sheffield Wednesday, after several winding up orders and comming within seconds of being put into admin only to be over turned by a judge at the last second due to a proposed deal which was 99% close to completion, was the last saving grace. Milan Mandaric took over Sheffield Wednesday after many years of financial and boardroom issues, the club finally had stability within its ranks, something the club hasn't had for over a decade. Mandaric came to the club a few months into the season, and dismissed Alan Irvine at the half-way point as The Owls' promising start to the season quickly faded away. Gary Megson was drafted in and results didn't much improve to begin with but Megson managed to get something out of his squad towards the end of the season, but there is still alot of work to be done at S6 over the summer to get the club back to the Championship and give some pride back into the name of 'Sheffield Wedneday'. Its a long road back to the Premiership for us, but I can say this, one day we will be back, it will happen, the sleeping giant is waking up and will one day be going back to Old Trafford.

'Ginger Mourinho' Megson wants to guide Owls to glory

Club or Country?

The club or country dilemma for football fans has been a long lasting argument, if you ask many people, they will say hands down, 'club over country' I, myself will admit to this, but pride and respect still should be held to our home nation, even if you do prefer to follow your club over your country. The majority of football fans, especially England fans have a tendancy not to be very bothered about our national side, until of course we are in the World Cup or the Europpean Championships, then the entire nation comes together and everyone is the biggest England fan in the country. The 'club over country' thought goes very much out of the window or it seems to do so. Personally you should back both your club and your nation, even if you have a preferance, which I have nothing against, but when your nation is not doing very well or are playing meaningless games, you should get behind your country as much as you would do for your club.

If England had a squad at their disposal to which Spain have would the attitude with English fans change, I think it would, currently the English side really should be better than it currently is, we boast one of the, if not the strongest elite divisons in the world, yet we have a second rate national side to go with this. Look at the other nations with big leagues, they boast squads which would or have played England off the park. Germany, Spain and Italy come to mind. But as I said above, regardless of our current state of affairs it should be irrelvent, everyone forgets how second rate our side is when we pop up in major championships.