"Better Wednesday": David Storch issues rallying cry to Sheffield Wednesday fans after Ipswich Town defeat
Sheffield Wednesday’s young tyros ran out of steam yet again against a Championship revival but there remains hope for the future after a more positive week.
Wednesday held out until the 78th minute against promotion-chasing Ipswich before Ivan Azon’s close-range finish and a Jack Clarke penalty got the Tractor Boys back to winning ways as they moved up to third in the Sky Bet Championship and closed the gap on their automatic promotion rivals.
Wednesday are still yet to win a home match all season and their winless run extended to 33 matches after the two late goals ended any hope of snatching what would have been a commendable point.
That leaves the Owls still six points away from reaching positive territory after 18 were deducted, but manager Henrik Pedersen was proud of the effort from his players.
He said: “We really gave it a go today. They have maybe the most interesting and the best individual team in the league.
"It was a big job for the boys today.
“We came really good into the game and played a really strong defensive performance in the first half. It was difficult for them in the first half and we had some good transitions where we could have created something.
“In the second half, we started to control and had a really good period up to the three minutes before the goal. After this, it’s difficult to come back against a strong team like them. The boys gave everything on the pitch.”
Off it, David Storch was last week announced as the preferred bidder with his takeover of the crisis club now going through the appropriate channels. He posted a message to the fans on X on Saturday evening: “Back in the States now, reflecting on an unbelievable week in Sheffield…. on behalf of Michael, Tom and myself, I want to thank the wonderful city of Sheffield, the local members of the community we met, the Supporters’ Trust and the Sheffield Wednesday fans for making us feel so incredibly welcome.
“We are listening to and collaborating with talented Wednesdayites across the city to ensure we deliver a best in class fan experience.
"Whilst we continue to work diligently to become stewards of this unique and historic club, please know that we will be doing everything we can in the interest of a “Better Wednesday” and a brighter future for everyone associated with Sheffield Wednesday.”