SWFC Vs Yeovil Town pre-match news

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It has been an eventful few days down at Hillsborough, with Rumours flying round all over the place regarding Alan Irvine's supposed sacking or resignation and plenty of rumours about incoming players as well. After all the speculation about Irvine's future it turns out the main source of the rumour that he had in fact left Hillsborough, came from a fan, hacking a club staff email account. Yesterday Milan Mandaric came out and publicly backed Irvine in an interview with the BBC he said "I urge everyone - this is not the time for panic. This is the time for all of us to be together and get behind the team and give us a chance to get out of this league." Mandaric knows the disappointment and anger that a lot of the Wednesday fans are feeling right now, but he correctly states this is no time to panic. Mandaric has also stated "We'll bring two or three more players in to enhance the quality of the team and I believe results will be there." so Irvine significantly still has the financial backing of Mandaric. Some Wednesday fans are disappointed that Irvine has not left the club after the 4-0 hammering Wednesday received at Leyton Orient on Saturday. I am also disappointed with Irvine's performance in recent times and some of his tactics have left me scratching my head, but I am of the view that any manager deserves a season to prove what he's worth. Wednesday fans need to get behind the team and the manager and give Irvine a chance to spend his budget wisely in the next week. Then fans and Mandaric a like can cast a final judgement at the end of the season, depending on whether we are back in the second tier of English football or not. Personally I think Irvine needs to bring in a central midfielder, a left winger and a quick pacey striker, these components would make our team look more or less complete, and give us a real chance of getting back into the promotion race.


As for tonight's game, Yeovil Town find themselves 3rd from bottom in League one, but have ground out a run of decent form, unbeaten in five until they lost 1-0 at home to Rochdale on Saturday. Yeovil may be in the relegation zone but they are just a mere 8 points behind the Owls, showing the deterioration of the Owls recent league form and how tight this division truly is. It is a massive game at Hillsborough tonight, with Irvine's future possibly depending on the result and a chance for Yeovil to climb out of the relegation zone. Yeovil's recent good form which has seen them beat the likes of Swindon away, and Brentford and MK Dons at home has been down to some incredibly good defensive performances, they have kept an impressive 5 clean sheets in their last 6 matches. One man Wednesday need to look out for is the young defender Paul Huntington, who has been essential in the Glover's defensive success, but has also contributed going forward scoring goals in the games against Brentford and MK Dons. Another man Wednesday need to be aware of is Dean Bowditch who is the Glover's top scorer so far this season with 7 goals, including the winner at Swindon in recent weeks. Bowditch came through the highly regarded Ipswich academy and ended up playing 72 professional games for them. I expect Yeovil to play a tight defensive game against the Owls and try and frustrate us, as well as trying to snatch a goal or two on the counter.


Wednesday fans biggest grumbles have been about the negative tactics shown by Alan Irvine all season. I, for one would love to see Mr. Irvine play with two out and out wingers in Jermaine Johnson and Gary Teale. With the huge Gary Madine expected to start, balls regularly coming in from both flanks would be a massive  bonus. Another team selection, or should I say lack of team selection that has mystified Owls Fans is that of Paul Heffernan. He surely must start in tonight's game, as he at some point must be given a chance to show what he can do for 90 minutes, that he has done so prolifically before in this division, with the likes of Doncaster Rovers. Unfortunately for Wednesday, our most impressive central midfielder this year, Tommy Miller has been ruled out of Tonight's game through injury. Leaving much speculation to who will play central midfield tonight. Giles Coke is returning to full fitness, but it is unknown whether he could play a full 90 minutes, therefore the most likely option is Darren Potter and James O'Connor. This wont give much hope to Wednesday fans who saw the ineffectiveness of this pair consistently last year. As for the defence Mark Reynolds is expected to make his debut, I would expect him to partner Reda Johnson at centre back, leaving Daniel Jones at left back and Michael Morrison at right back depending on Lewis Buxton's late fitness test, as he also picked up a knock on Saturday. Having said this I see Michael Morrison sooner or later switching to centre back, as he is clearly a very good ball winner and also good in the air, furthermore he is not especially amazing going forward with the ball. Hence, a switch to centre half could really let his Wednesday career take off. 

The Owls are pushing for a double over Yeovil this season, having already comprehensively beating the Glovers 2-0 at Huish park. A solo effort from Jermaine Johnson and a penalty kick from Tommy Miller gave the Owls all three points earlier in the season. Wednesday need to return to this early season form if they are to have a chance of promotion. With positive attacking formations and tactics I honestly believe Sheffield Wednesday are one of the best squads in League one. Irvine must change things up if he has any hope of keeping his job. We will see tonight whether Irvine refuses to change his tactics once again even after drubbings from the likes of Exeter and Leyton Orient. One thing is for sure though, Boo-Boys stay away and all fans get behind the team tonight and push them on to victory, there have been to many managerial changes in recent years, if there's any chance of stability lets grasp on to it. Lets get behind the new players as well as the manager, as the back 4 could consist of  players still getting to know each other. Keep the faith Wednesdayites and maybe we'll see some good come out of our club for once, in Milan we trust.