Curtis Davies issues Sheffield Wednesday prediction as Derby County comparison made
Curtis Davies has weighed in on Sheffield Wednesday’s League One prospects
Curtis Davies believes Sheffield Wednesday are well-placed to “have a go” in League One following their relegation from the Championship.
The Owls were relegated against a backdrop of off-field turbulence last term, but now have new owners and a renewed sense of optimism.
Immediate promotion is very much the aim but Davies knows it is not always easy for a club to bounce back.
The retired defender was part of the Derby County squad that suffered relegated from the second tier amid boardroom woes in 2022 - and then finished seventh in League One.
Curtis Davies delivers Sheffield Wednesday verdict
He told Betano Online Casino: “When looking at Sheffield Wednesday’s situation, I can only base that on my own experience at Derby. When we went down in similar fashion, with points deductions, administration, and all that, we had a massive rebuild.
“We only had six players under contract at the start of the season, so we had to recruit another 15 or 16 players, as well as bringing a few young lads up. Ultimately, it takes time, even though we signed good players like David McGoldrick, James Collins, Conor Hourihane and Korey Smith.
“But ultimately, just putting 11 players on the pitch doesn't always work straight away, and unfortunately, we missed out on the play-offs.
“But the Sheffield Wednesday team have been working towards this for a long time, knowing they were relegated, whereas we were umming and ahhing and close to staying up at one point.
“I'm guessing the fact that they've got the backing makes a difference. The manager (Henrik Pedersen) is meant to be a really good man-manager in the way he's methodical with both the play and the mentality off the field. I think they'll be in a really good spot to have a go, it's just about how well the group adapts to one another.”
Sheffield Wednesday’s fresh start
Wednesday have made 13 senior signings this summer, with returning hero Barry Bannan among the headline recruits.
Many of the new arrivals have settled in quickly and helped the Owls defeat Leyton Orient 2-1 in their league season opener at the weekend.
Wednesday are due to return to action tomorrow (August 20), hosting Bradford City under the lights at Hillsborough.