'We can compete': Sheffield Wednesday boss buoyed ahead of West Brom test as Owls move into new era after administration
Sheffield Wednesday arrive at The Hawthorns fresh from going into administration and suffering a 12-point deduction – but their fans could barely be happier.
Of course, no supporter would want to be 12 games into a season on minus six points and staring relegation in the face at such an early stage.
And while they are already 14 points adrift of safety, Owls supporters are still rejoicing after their hated owner Dejphon Chansiri finally left Hillsborough.
A groundswell of fan power forced him from the club, with supporters boycotting games and refusing to spend money in the ground to starve him of funds.
They now arrive for their lunchtime clash with Albion buoyed by his departure and hopeful they can attract investment from a new owner, with four or fiove serious bid already being considered by the administrators.
Wednesday manager Henrik Pedersen heaped praise on the supporters for the way they got behind the team during last weekend’s 2-1 defeat to Oxford – one day after the club went into administration.
Pedersen said: “Before the football side, I’ll start to say thanks to all the fans. What a welcome we got and what a support we got. And in this case, it was a fantastic day.
“It was a clean atmosphere, it was a fun atmosphere, positive atmosphere. It was a hope atmosphere. It was fantastic support to the boys on the pitch. I think everyone knows it’s a difficult situation. We need a top, top support and it was a really, really good beginning.”
He added: “I’m genuinely proud of the players, the staff, the coaches, how much everyone is working. After a week like this, I think the picture is clear. We can compete with everyone.
“I’m 100 per cent convinced that there’ll be a bright future for Sheffield Wednesday.”
