Sheffield Wednesday
Odds: 100/1
Last Five Seasons
2005/06 - 19 (Championship), 2004/05 - 5 (League One, Promoted), 2003/04 - 16 (League One), 2002/03 - 22 (Championship, Relegated), 2001/02 - 20 (Championship).
2005/06 Cup Progres
FA Cup Third Round vs Charlton Athletic (h) - lost 4-2.
Carling Cup Second Round vs West Ham United (h) - lost 4-2.
Top Goal Scorer 2005/06: Chris Brunt (midfield) - 7 goals.
Players In
Yohann Folly (Southampton - Undisclosed), Wade Small (Milton Keynes Dons - Nominal), Madjid Bougherra (Gueugnon - Free), Kenny Lunt (Crewe Alexandra - Free).
Players Out
Craig Rocastle (Oldham Athletic - Free), Drissa Diallo (MK Dons - Free), Jon-Paul McGovern (MK Dons - Free), Ritchie Partridge (Rotherham United - Free)
Sheffield Wednesday found the step up to the Championship tough last season following their promotion from League One and finished three places above and 10 points clear of the drop zone.
A chronic shortage of goals seemed to be the main problem and despite signing Deon Burton and Marcus Tudgay in January, midfielder Chris Brunt finished as the Owls' top goal scorer with just seven goals. Manager Paul Sturrock has tried to address this by signing new players to improve the supply line.
Southampton midfielder Yoann Folly, who spent an extended spell on loan at Hillsborough last season, signed a permanent one year contract for an undisclosed fee. The France under 21 international joined Southampton from St Etienne in July 2003 for '250,000 but started just 10 Premiership matches for the Saints..
Sturrock beat off competition from Leicester City to sign Crewe Alexandra midfielder Kenny Lunt on a free transfer after the player rejected a 10 year deal to remain at Gresty Road. The 26 year old had spent his entire career with the Railwaymen and made over 400 appearances for the club since making his debt in the 1997/98 season.
MK Dons winger Wade Small makes up a trio of new midfield arrivals after the Owls agreed an undisclosed fee for the 22 year old. Small made 115 appearance for the Dons since making his debut three seasons ago and scored 15 goals in all competitions. Defensive cover arrived in the form of Guegnon player Majid Bougherra, who spent time on loan at Crewe Alexandra last season, while several fringe players have been moved on including Drissa Diallo and Jon Paul McGovern to MK Dons and Ritchie Partridge to Rotherham United.
Verdict
Paul Sturrock has bought well this summer and the midfield has been suitably strengthened to supply more chances to Burton and Tudgay, who managed just seven goals between them following their January arrival. A mid table finish without looking over their shoulders would be good progress next term. |
| Author: David Walker |
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David Walker runs Kerry McGregor and free bets websites. |
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