Championship One predictions for 2004/2005: Sheffield Wednesday's view

Last updated : 23 July 2004 By Mad Tyke
1) How did you fare last season? Best moment, worst moment etc.

We were diabolical, pure and simple and it makes us realise how far we have
actually slumped. Last season was low point after low point, although
getting one over Danny Wilson, one of the worse managers in Wednesday's
history in the last minute was pretty funny!

2) How do you think you'll do this season? Hopes, final position.

For the last five seasons I have been pretty optimistic but without question we will have a better season than last year. I think we will finish
somewhere between 1st and 10th, closer to 10th than 1st though! But with
great supporters and hopes high, we can't be too overconfident as we were
surprised last season.

3) What's your squad like, new signings, etc?

I have no idea! We culled 13 players and brought in a brand new team. The
most influencial player could be Chris Marsden, although Wednesdayites are
expecting a good few goals from Steve MacLean and Lee Peacock. Guy Branston knows this league inside-out and David Lucas should be the best goalkeeper in the division.

4) Which youngster will make the biggest impression in your team this
season?

Chris Brunt came in last season from Boro and got a two-year deal straight
away, but from what I have heard about Glenn Whelan, an Irish U-21
international signed from Manchester City, he could be a vital member of the squad.

4) What's your manager like and will he still be there at the end of the
season?

Chris Turner promised fans that if Wednesday were not in the top three at
Christmas, he would walk. I think fans last season were very unsure of him,
but if we get off to a good start, he will become popular again. To answer
the question of whether he will be here, I honestly don't know!

5) Are you happy with your Chairman/Backroom staff?

Fans are split right down the middle on this one. Half of the supporters
wanted Ken Bates in at one stage and mass protests were held against current
chairman Dave Allen. But despite loaning the club money from his vast
fortune, Allen has kept the club stable and he has to be praised for that.
As for the backroom staff, Colin West was one of the worst ever players to
pull on the blue and white, although he has done a good job as Turner's
assistant.

6) Which team do you want to beat the most and why?

Colchester, Blackpool and Torquay in the first three games, meaning we will
have got off to a good start for once!

7) Predict your champions and runner up, the 4 Play-Off teams and the 4
to go down.

Barnsley for champions, and up will go Bristol City, Swindon and
Hull/Tranmere, to go down, Chesterfield, Brentford, Peterborough and
Torquay. Watch out for Walsall and Doncaster, although Bradford and MK
Wimbledon whatever they are called these days will struggle.

8) What is the address of your site?

www.owlsaboutthatthen.com

Andy Parsons