My Sheffield Wednesday Games, Goals, Players and Signings of 2015

The year 2015 has certainly been one of the best in recent times for both the club and the fans, with more highs than lows.

Although early stages, Sheffield Wednesday are very much on the right path as they aim for promotion to the Premier League in the forthcoming years.

This week I decided to look back at the year gone by and selected my three highlights from 2015. Do you agree?

Game of the Year:  

1st. Sheffield Wednesday 3-0 Arsenal, Capital One Cup 4th Round 27/10/15

Without doubt, this game will live long in the memory for years to come. Although Sheffield Wednesday went into the game as underdogs, the performance, quality of the goals and the atmosphere capped off a perfect night for the Owls in front of a 35,000 plus capacity. Played in front of a global audience on TV, this match is my game of the year.

Ross Wallace celebrates the Owls’ opener against Arsenal

2nd. Rotherham 2-3 Sheffield Wednesday, Championship 21/03/15

This game will be remembered for the last 10 minutes upon which four goals were scored. Sheffield Wednesday were trailing 1-0 until the 86th minute when Caolan Lavery levelled to begin a crazy goalscoring period of play. Rotherham then took the lead one minute later before Nuhiu equalised in the 93rd minute. Furthermore, Kieran Lee then slotted the ball away in the 98th minute to claim victory for the Owls – what a game.

Don’t forget physio Paul Smith’s electric pace to celebrate with the fans as Lee clinched the winner, fantastic scenes.

3rd. Watford 1-1 Sheffield Wednesday Championship 2/05/15

Although this game only resulted in a draw for the Owls, Watford already had one hand on the Championship title. A 91st minute equaliser by the giant Nuhiu resulted in a 1-1 draw and Watford had to settle for second place behind high-flyers Bournemouth. Watford were still promoted that day, but didn’t we spoil the party.

Goal of the Year:

1st. Marco Matias, Leeds United 1-1 Sheffield Wednesday Championship 22/08/15

This sublime volley by Matias may not be beaten this season by any player at any level around the world in terms of quality and composure. Completely out of the blue, Marco flicked the ball over the onrushing defender – right foot onto left, unleashing a perfect volley in off the bar past a helpless Silvestri in goal.

2nd. Ross Wallace, Sheffield Wednesday 3-0 Arsenal Capital One Cup 4th Round 27/10/15

Wallace’s accurate shot from the edge of the box set Sheffield Wednesday on their way to demolishing Arsenal in the League Cup. Not only was this goal one of importance on the night, it was the quality of the build up play and the exquisite cross by Daniel Pudil that makes this feature as number 2 in my Goal of the Year.

3rd. Lewis McGugan, Sheffield Wednesday 3-1 Preston NE Championship 3/10/15

Sat on the edge of my seat, a nervy final 20 minutes were in store after Preston pulled a goal back – game on. Wednesday lead 2-1 in injury time before Lewis McGugan lobbed Pickford in the Preston goal from 40 yards to claim all three points for the Owls. Certainly a goal to remember.

Player of the Year:

1st. Kieran Lee

Kieran may be my favourite player at S6, so biased you may say. However, I cannot think of a more consistent performer outfield throughout 2015. He has drive, ambition, dedication and has become a core focal point within our midfield. Very much a team player, Lee is now one of the first names on the team sheet after gaining Carvalhal’s trust.

Kieran Lee has been Mr Consistent for Sheffield Wednesday

2nd. Keiran Westwood

By the end of the 2014/15 season, Westwood had equalled the all-time club record of 17 clean sheets within a season. The Wednesday stopper also captured the Fans Player of the Season and featured in the Championship Team of the Year. Westwood has been a invaluable member of the first-team squad in 2015. His agility and reflexes are ever present in a Owls jersey and could have easily featured as my number one Player of the Year.

3rd. Tom Lees

Stuart Gray certainly made an astute signing when he recruited Tom Lees from Leeds. The Owls number 15 was ever present until a recently injury ruled him out until the new year. At 25, Lees has been linked heavily with Premier League clubs and played a huge part in last season’s 17 club equalling clean-sheet record. Lees is a physical presence, with his positioning and composure certainly bolstering our defence.

Signing of the Year

1st. Fernando Forestieri

For £3 million, Forestieri certainly looks a bargain in this day and age. The little electric Argentine may only be 5 foot 7″, but some of his performances suggest he is the biggest and best player on the pitch in terms of skill and creativity. The Owls number 45 has very much impressed me since his arrival, and I cannot wait to watch him feature as the season progresses into 2016. Definitely my Singing of the Year.

Forestieri has impressed since signing from Watford

2nd. Barry Bannan

Bannan arrived at S6 in August for an undisclosed fee. Since his arrival the Owls number 41 has produced glowing and dazzling performances. The Scot’s main attributes include creativity, skill to dance past defenders and his work rate is second to none. Bannan always seems to find space on the field of play and his performances, I believe, will only continue to improve as he settles at Hillsborough.

3rd. Lucas Joao

Admittedly, I had never heard of Lucas Joao before the speculation of his arrival in the summer. Although only 22, Joao’s impressive displays have not only seen him become one of the stronger members of the Sheffield Wednesday squad, but earnt him a place in the Portugal senior team. The future is very bright for the Owls number 18 powerhouse, who will only develop. Without doubt, Chansiri and Carvalhal got the signing of Joao bang on the money.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every reader of my blogs for Shoot since the start of the season. Bring on 2016.

WAWAW