It’s not often after a 3-0 home defeat that a team is warmly welcomed off the field by their own supporters
But that’s what happened at Hillsborough on Saturday, after Sheffield Wednesday were thrashed 3-0 by Stoke City, as Owls fans showed their respect and sympathy for the players’ and staff’s position.
A summer of instability has destroyed the playing roster due to owner Dejphon Chansiri’s mismanagement, and with their Stoke line-up consisting primarily of last season’s fringe players and a bench of teenagers, a spirited display in defeat was scarcely surprising.
Though many elected to leave the stadium early as the match progressed, thousands of Wednesday fans remained to applaud their players’ efforts and were greeted warmly by those on the pitch. It came after emotional moments at Leicester City and Bolton Wanderers, and new manager Henrik Pedersen appreciated the gesture.
The Danish coach stated, “Our fans are fantastic fans, and this respect they showed us at the end of the game?” You cannot put a price on this. I know my boys do everything they can from the moment they get up until they go to bed to give their all to this club. I also witnessed today that they kept going even when they were 3-0 down, and this is the foundation for the future, moving step by step.
“It will come later that we can bring new players and this will give new energy to the boys we have right now.”
The addition of new faces is much-needed and would be a welcome boost to a squad that appears to be operating at near-capacity levels just three games into the season. EFL fines have made major incoming signings nearly impossible until Wednesday, when they can demonstrate to the Club Financial Reporting Unit that they can meet future financial responsibilities. There have also been concerns with the hiring of coaches.
Pedersen stated: “There is daily communication, and I know that the club is working hard to address the current difficulty so that we can recruit some new players. Coaches are also working on this, and it may be closer than the players.
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