So after Tuesday nights miserable defeat to Stevenage F.C the questions that are being asked – are the Owls once again going to fall by the wayside in the League 1 promotion push or do Gary Megson’s side have enough in the tank to bounce back.
It could be that last seasons disappointing fall away period has in no doubt left the fans worrying that it is happening again.
Wednesday have fallen short in the 4-6 weeks with the only highlights being an excellent win against Scunthope at Glanford Park and the draw against Blackpool away in the FA Cup. Other than that Wednesday have posted 3 disapointing defeats, a draw against Hartlepool and a laboured victory against Yeovil.
Many fans will coincide this dip in form with the loss of the influential Ben Marshall but in my opinion the troubles lie a little deeper. Wednesday currently lack creativity all attacking areas of the park the only bright spark having been Jermaine Johnson.
The strike force of Chris O’ Grady and Gary Madine has not produced much through the aforementioned period with 3 goals between them, the strikers are of a similar vein both have big frames easy to hit with a long ball but then each lack the movement to get on to any flick ons. Wednesday have resorted to a ugly long ball style that most other clubs fans were accusing them of early season (when the football was far from it).
The team lacks width and the relentless transfer window pursuit over Marshall may have seriously damaged any chance of Wednesday progressing to the Championship automatically. The window wasn’t as successful as most fans would have liked with John Bostock the only creative player to sign.
Things seem glum at S6 but there is room for improvement and plenty of games to go for me now its time to give every squad player a chance and let them show the manager what they can do. Promotion now looks more likely through the playoffs than automatic with cross city rivals United 2 points ahead with two games in hand.
The bonus Wednesday now have is that they are no longer in second place. This may sound a little odd but the best form this season came when they were in third place trying to cling onto the coat-tails of Huddersfield and United, doing the business quietly and not too busy looking over their shoulder
With this in mind and a real winger on loan, a team that is not tinkered with every game but places are rewarded on performances The Wednesday still have everything to play for. Momentum going into any playoff battle can be key and there is still a chance that a firing Wednesday could topple their neighbours at S6 a week on Sunday.
See the owls begin their comeback on Saturday 18th February at the B2Net Stadium where Chesterfield will host.