Date: 25th July 2015 at 6:57pm
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Firstly, before we begin to get excited about the future prospects of Sheffield Wednesday under the new regime, lets take a moment to remember how we got there…

Like me, I’m sure you would like to show your ‘Massive’ appreciation to Mr Milan Mandaric and Mr Stuart Gray.

Mandaric purchased Sheffield Wednesday back in November 2010, agreeing to settle the clubs outstanding debts as part of the deal. He and his board revived a sinking ship AND, furthermore, stuck to his word in search of the ‘right’ investor.

After gaining promotion to the Championship in May 2012 and deciding to part with manager Dave Jones, in stepped coach Stuart Gray. A somewhat low profile name at management level, Gray developed a squad with strong team ethic who throughout his reign ground out points against tough Championship opposition.

Under the new Chansiri era, I was the first to admit my upmost disappointment on hearing the news of Gray’s departure. Expected? Maybe, following Chansiri’s claim he would like to take the club forward with his own ideas, all with good intentions for the future.

2 March 2015 - Sheffield Wednesday Press Call The new owner of The Owls, Dejphon Chansiri Photo: Steve Parkin

Furthermore, Mr Mandaric and Mr Gray have forever gained our trust, respect and both a welcome face at S6 under the new era. Thank you.

A new chairman, a new state of the art playing surface, a new big screen, a new manager, new players, a new era???

Where to begin? The summer of 2015 has provided many talking points for Wednesdayites thus far and I believe now is the time to get excited. Recent years have shown little investment in players due to lack of funds.

After last season’s respectful 13th position finish in the Championship and an applaud worthy over achievement defensively, I’m sure one of Carvalhal’s main aims is to score more goals, as promised, attacking football, defend from the front.

Securing the likes of Loovens and Semedo on new contracts and incoming recruits Sasso, Lachman and Hunt I’m sure will only maintain if not develop our defensive strengths along side last year’s outstanding Lees and Westwood – don’t concede and you don’t lose.

But who is the answer to our goalscoring problem? Sergiu Bus, playing only eight games last term is still somewhat unproven, could be the answer? Stevie May? seven Goals in 39 is not a strike rate that would see us progress higher than the play-offs, unless he is more clinical in front of goal. Atdhe Nuhiu? Although last season’s joint top league goalscorer with eight, the Austrian needs to be at least doubling those figures. Caolan Lavery? Showed signs of promise, can only develop.

I’m sure securing the likes of McGugan and wide men Matias and Wallace can only ‘assist’ in our goalscoring progress, similarly chipping in with goals as did Lee last season. However, after going through the names above, ultimately the main aim is to find that ‘clinical’ striker, and this season we have £££££s. This is why you and me alike are excited for the 15/16 and expect an improvement on last season’s 13th position.

Remember the transfer window doesn’t close until Tuesday September 1st, a long enough period to conclude transfer business. Furthermore, for me, the January window can certainly be used as a contingency plan in order to develop additional focus areas showing signs of weakness or little experience, if necessary.

In times gone past, our transfer windows may have been seen as ‘lacklustre’, maybe in expectation of players departing S6, now I only expect players to arrive. I certainly expect Carvalhal to use the loan system to our advantage to maintain strength and development as suspensions and injuries alike may determine our final position as the season progresses.

Work off the field has been very uplifting following investment across all channels, time for Carvalhal and players alike to continue forward progression on the field.

There are many big questions to be answered. Where will we finish in the league this season? Can we overachieve? Or with the right acquisitions, can we push the front runners? Who knows? Until May 2016 it’s time to play the waiting game.

In the mean time, as fans, maybe WE are the answer. Your support is indispensable to the running of the club. All we ask is for Chansiri to stick to his word, work hard in the best interest of the club, invest in the right areas and a bright future will follow. So far so good.

Remember, us fans play a huge part in the future of this club. Our love for the club will forever continue, lets get behind the chairman, committee, manager and new look squad on the 8th of August. Sing loud, sing clear and appreciate the opportunity we have been given under Chansiri. Let’s make this ‘era’ a successful one… WAWAW!

 
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