'I wouldn't be surprised' - Gareth Barry makes Sheffield Wednesday prediction as Louie Barry verdict delivered
Sheffield Wednesday have been tipped for a strong League One campaign by an ex-England international
Former England international Gareth Barry expects Sheffield Wednesday to seal promotion from League One this season.
The Owls are back in the third tier but there is a renewed sense of optimism surrounding Hillsborough.
New owners, Arise Capital Partners, are pumping much-needed funds into the club following the end of Dejphon Chansiri’s turbulence-ridden reign as owner.
Wednesday have started the season with a win and a loss, having been beaten by Bradford City at home following their victory away at Leyton Orient.
Gareth Barry delivers Sheffield Wednesday verdict
Barry, a former midfielder for the likes of Aston Villa and Manchester City as well as the England national team, expects to see the Owls up near the League One summit.
He told BetVictor Online Casino: “Sheffield Wednesday had a really strong summer market. Bringing in a few new faces and re-signing Barry Bannan is excellent business. I wouldn't be surprised to see them challenging for automatic promotion.
“They're a huge club, and with Hillsborough being such a fantastic, traditional stadium, backed by a great set of fans, these are the types of clubs you want back in the Championship, competing for a Premier League spot.
“Signing Louie Barry from Villa is also a great move, he’s already proven himself at League One level. He'll be keen to score goals and prove he can replicate that form in the Championship if they can win promotion as I’m expecting this season.”
Sheffield Wednesday’s summer of change
Wednesday have drafted in an array of new faces this summer while working under financial constraints imposed by the EFL as a result of their entrance into administration last term.
They recently made their 16th signing of the window, landing Iraq international forward Ali Al-Hamadi on loan from Premier League newcomers Ipswich Town.