Sheffield Wednesday

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Rob Staton
BBC Radio Sheffield

Image source, Shutterstock

Walking into Hillsborough on Saturday felt a little bit like walking into a building site.

The former 1867 Lounge, soon to be "Hirsty's", was closed off as work continues.

The corridor leading to the former press room wasn't accessible. The post-game interviews were done pitchside, not in the usual room downstairs.

You could see how much was going on as the new regime tried to cram a year's worth of work into three months, in an attempt to transform the club.

On the pitch, there was a much-needed 1-0 win against Bolton in the EFL Cup first round.

One fan said after the game as he left the stadium: "I enjoyed that today." It's something Owls supporters haven't been able to say very often over the past 12 months.

There were also signs that it's a work in progress on the pitch, too. This wasn't a classic performance, but it was a necessary one after an embarrassing 4-0 friendly defeat by Oldham last week.

So how should we view Sheffield Wednesday ahead of the league season kicking off?

Everyone at the club seems to be working double overtime to get things ready as quickly as possible. It would benefit everyone to have some perspective.

This isn't a quick fix. This is a club that has needed major infrastructure work for years. It has needed a chief executive and a sporting director. It has needed a coherent recruitment plan.

There are going to be teething problems. Fans sent me pictures before the game of queues outside the South Stand, as fans struggled to get into Hillsborough before kick-off. The ticket pricing for Bradford City wasn't well received either and could've been handled better.

The playing squad clearly has some holes. While there's now enough depth for the manager to make meaningful second-half changes - Jamal Lowe, a substitute, came on and scored the winner against Bolton - they still need more, as they work within EFL restrictions.

Not everything is going to suddenly flow and be perfect simply because Dejphon Chansiri has been replaced. Remembering that, and having a degree of patience and understanding - to an extent - would be fair.

There's an elevator in reception that is currently out of order. Someone had written a note on it on Saturday: "Lift's not going up, but Wednesday are."

It's obviously a bit of fun, but it probably wouldn't be the worst thing to not set expectations at that level just yet.

With the wave of positivity and optimism that the new era has brought in, you do get the sense some people genuinely believe the club will now waltz to promotion.

I think it'll be a lot harder than those people anticipate. That doesn't mean it can't happen. It could. But adjusting expectations might be best for everyone's sanity.

Nobody ever wants advice from a journalist, but I'm going to recommend some anyway.

Celebrate a fresh start for the club. Carry the summer excitement into the season. Hope for the best but prepare for some frustrating moments. Try to enjoy the journey for now and not worry too much about the destination.

A lot of good has been achieved so far - especially re-connecting the club to the fans, as evidenced by the huge amount of season ticket sales.

This is a big project, though. That comes with the territory when you have to rebuild a club from ground zero.

Sheffield Wednesday want to sign 21-year-old Liverpool left-back Calum Scanlon on loan. The England youth international spent the second half of last season with Cardiff City, who are also keen on bringing him back to Wales. (Mail - subscription required), external

For more EFL transfer news and rumours, read Monday's full gossip column here.

Don't forget to tap the 'follow' button at the top of this page to stay up to date with your club's latest news.

Image source, Getty Images

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Sheffield Wednesday have signed former Everton midfielder Tyler Onyango on a three-year deal.

The 23-year-old was a free agent after leaving the Toffees at the end of last season.

He has had loan spells in League One with Burton, Forest Green and Stockport in the past three campaigns.

"This is a club moving in the right direction and that's something any player would be excited to be part of," he told the club website., external

Image source, Shutterstock

Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Jarvis Thornton has signed a new two-year contract with the club.

The 20-year-old made his debut in the EFL Cup last August and went on to play 27 times during Wednesday's difficult season in the Championship.

But ahead of their refresh in League One, Thornton has extended his stay with a club he has been at since he was eight.

"Playing at Championship level made me 10 times a better player on and off the pitch as well, a better professional, and I grew up quicker than I expected," he told the club's website, external.

"Hopefully, I can kick on this year and do some good things for the club."

Sheffield Wednedsay are keen on Wrexham midfielder George Dobson with the Welsh side set to land Preston North End's Ben Whiteman after a training ground bust-up at Deepdale. (Darren Whitcoop), external

There is more of Monday's EFL gossip here.

Rob Staton
BBC Radio Sheffield reporter

Image source, Shutterstock

Sometimes pre-season can be deceptive - but other times you can't ignore the warning signs. Sheffield Wednesday losing 4-0 at Oldham on Saturday is one of those occasions.

It's clearly a bad result but many of the fans attending have also commented on the level of the performance.

Despite so many positives happening this summer at Sheffield Wednesday - including much needed infrastructure work, key appointments and multiple signings - the people in charge of the Owls are having to cram a year's worth of work into a few months.

This is particularly challenging when it comes to building a team, especially when you're having to deal with financial restrictions from the EFL after coming out of administration.

The honest truth is Wednesday need more quality in certain areas and really lack overall depth in their squad. But they can only do so much in one summer. They've made some eye-catching signings for League One - but the extent of the work required is now very evident as they try to build a squad virtually from scratch.

It might be useful to have a bit of a reality check now.

Such was the enormous rebuilding job required on and off the pitch, this might take a bit more time than some initially anticipated. If there is something to take out of a pre-season spanking to a League Two team, that perspective might be it.

That said, you still can't be losing 4-0 at Oldham - pre-season or not.

Manager Henrik Pedersen, more than most, will need a fast start when the proper football begins.

Everyone knows how difficult last year was. They won two league games, though - taking a record low points total away from Rotherham United, who won five in 2016-17.

Whether you think it's fair or not, in football you don't get a lot of rope when you win 4% of your games.

The heavy loss at Oldham has ramped up concerns among fans who were not convinced the Dane was the right man for this season.

League One is very different to the Championship. It might sound basic - but it's often not a place for intricate philosophy and technical prowess. It's Burton on a cold November evening, on a bad pitch when it's chucking it down against a team who won't mess about.

Wednesday have got to work this division out and learn to become winners. This isn't a passing-around-at-the-back league. Last year's title winners Lincoln were no mugs on the ball - but their calling card was being the fittest team in the league and they'd run you off the pitch.

Are Wednesday, who are limited in their ability to rapidly improve the squad and are reliant on the loan market, capable of having the kind of start that will keep the pressure off their manager?

He'll clearly get an opportunity to win the doubters' support and considering he's been tasked with leading the team this season, Pedersen deserves to be judged on league games and not pre-season.

The boss is a talking point already though, even before the season officially begins. I've covered Wednesday in League One before. Irrespective of the situation, fans expect to win. You need to win.

Image source, Shutterstock

Sheffield Wednesday forward Ike Ugbo has signed for Cypriot side Apollon Limassol on a season-long loan.

Ugbo has scored nine goals in 81 appearances for Wednesday since joining, initially on loan from Cardiff City, in January 2024.

However, the 27-year-old Canada international only managed one goal last season, although his last start was in November, and he was not picked for the World Cup.

Apollon finished third last season in the Cypriot First Division and are competing in this term's Europa Conference League.

Image source, Eastleigh FC

Eastleigh have signed Sheffield Wednesday defender Reece Johnson on a season-long-loan.

The 20-year-old left-back has played 16 times for the Owls, with the majority of those appearances coming last season in the Championship alongside games in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.

Johnson made his Sheffield Wednesday debut in the EFL Cup, starting in a victory away to Bolton Wanderers where he also scored his first senior goal.

"I want a good season where I can play games," he told the club website., external "You're at your best when you're playing and I want to get as many minutes into the legs as I can."

Sheffield Wednesday are hoping to sign Hull City forward Mason Burstow, 22, who scored 12 goals on loan at League One Bolton last season. (Alex Miller, external)

Want more transfer news from the EFL? Take a look at Wednesday's gossip column here.

Image source, Shutterstock

"He is class. He is going to be really, really good."

That was a comment by a member of staff, overheard from the training pitch shortly after 17-year-old Will Grainger played a defence-splitting pass for a goal during an 11-a-side session.

Shortly after, he was making a dynamic run into the box before leaping into the air to connect with a cross.

His effort was well saved but the height and air-time of the jump from a player listed at 5ft 8in was eye-catching.

Driving runs, killer passes and a threat in front of goal. Grainger put on a show that left you eager to see more.

Sheffield Wednesday were patient with him last season.

He appeared as a sub in the epic penalty shootout win over a strong Leeds United team in the Carabao Cup.

Grainger came on in the last minute against Brentford in the FA Cup four and a half months later. His first league start only came in the final game of the season.

In between all of this was a substitute appearance against Oxford United where he flashed his potential with a fantastic first senior goal.

He'll only turn 18 in November so the patient approach might be utilised for some time still.

However, his showing in the training camp here in Budapest suggests he might be able to accelerate his development.

"He's a top talent," said Owls manager Henrik Pedersen. "He's very mature in his tactical mindset and his discipline to be part of a senior team with a clear playing philosophy.

"With his movement, he's a really good pressing player. His mind and his understanding is on a high level. His finishing in the last 20 metres in front of the goal is strong.

"We take care of him and we push him. We are very conscious that we have a good young player we want to integrate and he has to be a top player for Sheffield Wednesday."

Pedersen isn't alone in highlighting Grainger's potential. Owls midfielder Barry Bannan, who has seen it all at Hillsborough during his time with the club, was also full of praise.

"He's an amazing talent for this club. Will, because he's a bit younger (than the other academy players in the squad), stands out a bit more," said Bannan.

"I've always been quite close with Will. He's going to be a top, top player if he keeps his feet on the ground and keeps working really hard every day.

"It's just amazing when you see people who support the club, from the city, breaking into the first team and getting to live their dream.

"It makes it that bit extra special so I think everybody in the team's rooting for him and obviously the fans would like to see one of their own coming through again."

Grainger was linked to Everton this summer before committing to a new contract at Wednesday until 2029.

It might end up being one of their best pieces of business.

Sheffield Wednesday are set to sign a third player from Aston Villa this summer, with 22-year-old English midfielder Tommi O'Reilly in advanced talks to join the League One side on a season-long loan. (The Athletic - subscription required), external

For more transfer news and rumours, read Thursday's full gossip column here.

Harry Gray has more on his plate than most 17-year-olds - and he seems to be taking it all in his stride.

The Gray name is football royalty in Leeds, thanks to his great uncle Eddie. His grandfather Frank also played for Leeds - and his father Andy began his career at Elland Road.

Harry's older brother Archie was a Whites prodigy who has since moved to Tottenham for big money. Now, big things are expected of the teenage forward.

He's beloved by Leeds fans. When he joined Rotherham United on loan in January, there were many wishes of success from West Yorkshire.

Some even questioned why he wasn't being used by Leeds at the time in the Premier League rather than being sent out on loan.

It was a challenging move. The Millers struggled, suffered a cluster of injuries, changed managers and were eventually relegated. Welcome to proper football, Harry.

Yet these are the kind of experiences Leeds want him to have on loan.

Speaking to BBC Radio Sheffield at Wednesday's training camp in Budapest, Hungary, Gray admitted he had a 'welcome to League One' moment when he was elbowed by a Stockport defender seconds into his Rotherham debut.

"I enjoy it," he said. "It's so much better and more competitive, and something on the line every game. It's what I enjoy, a bit of pressure."

He's not a big talker but what he does say carries a maturity. You can tell he's been around the game, and people within the game, his whole life.

When asked about the big difference between academy football and the EFL, his answer focuses not on himself, but the people in the stands.

"You're playing for people that work every week to come and watch you play," he said.

"You've got to excite them and then ultimately that gives you some joy. But however many fans are watching, they're getting that (joy) as well."

There are other things about Gray that have clearly carried some thought. He says he follows Scotland rather than England. It's a contrast to his brother, he says, who is an England fan.

Gray insists he wants to focus on the here and now with Wednesday rather than future ambitions for Leeds when he returns to Elland Road next summer.

"Who knows what could happen... a year's a long time in football," Gray added. "All I care about now is getting promoted here."

Wednesday will have competition for places in attack next season. The club is keen to add a 'number nine' and a player for the wide right position.

Louie Barry has already joined from Aston Villa. The focus at the moment seems to be on forwards.

Yet successful teams often have a productive loan player in their ranks.

Gray is young - he doesn't turn 18 until October - but there is plenty of evidence on the training pitches here in Hungary, and the pedigree he has built within the Leeds United set-up, to believe he has a big future.

A year at Wednesday, getting among the goals, and possibly helping the Owls bounce back in their new era, could be the perfect launchpad for his career.

Image source, Getty Images

The roads of Budapest are full of potholes. As you drive along, the bumps feel like they're going to last forever.

It sort of resembles Sheffield Wednesday's 2025/26 season. Think you've got over the worst of it? Crash. Another thumping drop jolting your back. Surely that's the last one? Nope. This hole's even bigger. Now you've got a headache.

At the end of today's journey we reached a state-of-the-art training facility. This in itself is symbolic of the changing fortunes of the club. If the potholes were last season - delayed wage payments, administration, an overmatched squad suffering like no other previously, and drama to conclude a sale - the MLSZ Technical centre highlights the fresh start at Wednesday. This is the kind of place a serious club prepares for a new season.

This is where the Hungarian national team train. There's a hotel attached. Two senior teams or four youth teams can train here at a time. There are shirts hung in the corridors, signed by previous visitors, such as the likes of Jack Grealish.

This is such a far cry from 12 months ago.

The temperature is warm without being overbearing (about 25C). The manager, Henrik Pedersen, generously took time to explain to the gathered media the purpose of today's session. This one was about creating overloads and transitioning into attacking positions.

The Owls are going to face the notorious "low block" frequently next year, especially at Hillsborough. It has always been a problem when Wednesday drop into League One. Very few teams set out to attack. They want to frustrate. This session was seemingly designed to help find a way to combat this.

There was also talk of the need for speed and quickness - something that was lacking last season, as a young Wednesday squad was pulled apart and stretched to breaking point.

There was also a hint at the tactical approach Pedersen will adopt - a back four, attack-minded, working on the kind of technical skills that certain German managers have recently suggested as not being within the "English DNA".

It's such a far cry from a year ago, when Wednesday couldn't even use their own training ground at times to prepare for the toughest of seasons. They had no friendlies, they had no camp. What a relief it must be for those who are still with the club to be going through a totally different summer.

There are plenty of new faces - many of which will provide huge encouragement to fans. There are players with pedigree who have signed for, or re-joined, the Owls this summer. Yet there's no sense of anyone getting carried away. Internally there very much feels like a desire to avoid any big statement of intent or creation of expectation.

As with every facet of the club moving forward, there's no quick fix. But to go back to the potholes analogy, this is a club that feels like it's starting to lay the tarmac to create a smoother drive for the next few years.

Sheffield Wednesday are interested in signing free agent Billy Mitchell after boyhood club Millwall were unsuccessful in their attempts to keep the 25-year-old midfielder at the Den. (The Star), external

Want more transfer news from the EFL? Take a look at Friday's gossip column here.

Sheffield Wednesday have put their interest in Wrexham midfielderGeorge Dobson, 28, on hold. They could rekindle a potential deal for the Englishman later in the transfer window. (The Star), external

You can find more of Friday's EFL gossip here.