Birmingham City v Sheffield Wednesday - Garry Monk eyes positives over next three weeks

SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY manager Garry Monk knows better than most that the forthcoming three-week window of games holds immense importance to his Owls side.

Ahead of the next international break which begins after the Owls’ home encounter with Millwall on November 7, his side will have negotiated seven more matches, featuring four games at Hillsborough alongside trips to Wycombe, Rotherham United and first Birmingham City.

Psychologically, for everyone connected with the club, it is time when Wednesday simply must end it in positive points by the time they leave the field in three weeks time, almost a quarter of the way into the new season following 11 games.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A decent haul would also have the effect of putting pressure on teams above them at a time when the division will have started to take shape.

Tom Lees is an injury doubt for Sheffield Wednesday. Picture: Steve EllisTom Lees is an injury doubt for Sheffield Wednesday. Picture: Steve Ellis
Tom Lees is an injury doubt for Sheffield Wednesday. Picture: Steve Ellis

Monk, who has boosted his options for the late autumn and winter ‘slog’ with the additions of Jack Marriott and Aden Flint, acknowledged: “There is no denying it, our aim is to get out of these negative (minus seven) points as quickly as we can.

“Performance-wise, we are doing well overall and that helps confidence. But we know it is about points and our aim is to get out of negative points as quick as we can.

“If we can get to level points or just above it and be in good contact with the ones above, I think that puts pressure on others and gives us a boost and that is what we are trying to do.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Wednesday head into today’s game with several injury issues, with Tom Lees and Liam Shaw likely to be sidelined and doubts regarding several other players.

Monk admits it is not ideal, but he is pragmatic enough to accept that it is how Wednesday handle the ongoing adversity which could well make or break their campaign.

Monk, who returns to familiar territory at St Andrew’s alongside coaches James Beattie, Flahavan and performance analyst Ryan Needs, added: “In periods like this where we have injuries and a bit of uncertainty in terms of what might be available, it is not ideal. But it is what it is.

“We have adversity on and off the pitch and it is already around us before we step on one.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It is about real character and sticking together and no matter what is thrown at us, we are going to have to fight through it.

“It starts with this game at Birmingham. Whatever team goes out onto the pitch will have to fight for it.”

Support The Yorkshire Post and become a subscriber today.

Your subscription will help us to continue to bring quality news to the people of Yorkshire. In return, you’ll see fewer ads on site, get free access to our app and receive exclusive members-only offers.

So, please - if you can - pay for our work. Just £5 per month is the starting point. If you think that which we are trying to achieve is worth more, you can pay us what you think we are worth. By doing so, you will be investing in something that is becoming increasingly rare. Independent journalism that cares less about right and left and more about right and wrong. Journalism you can trust.

Thank you

James Mitchinson

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.