Millwall v Sheffield Wednesday: Gray is hopeful Owls can produce quality needed to see off Millwall

The Owls’ new head coach oversaw a revival in fortunes that helped convince chairman Milan Mandaric he is the man to take Wednesday forward.

That job starts tonight at fellow strugglers Millwall.

“You want to see progression, you want to see improvement,” said Gray of his ambition as Wednesday’s head coach.

“We have been improving but the job starts now, really. We’ve got to build on what we have been doing and get as far up the League as possible.”

Gray plans to bring in another member of staff to support him with his backroom looking depleted since the departures of Dave Jones and Paul Wilkinson. Lee Bullen, who has served as Gray’s assistant over the last 12 games, will combine coaching duties with the first team and the academy.

Gray’s first official week in charge brings tough assignments against two of their fellow strugglers in Millwall tonight and local rivals Barnsley on Saturday.

“One thing you know with Ian Holloway’s teams and Danny Wilson’s teams is you’ve got to match their determination, their effort and their commitment and if we do that I have every confidence we’ll win the game,” said Gray.

“Olly will get Millwall fired up, but hopefully with a bit of quality we’ll come out on top.”

The Owls’ game with Derby has been rescheduled for Tuesday, February 18, (7.45pm) due to the club’s involvement in the FA Cup fifth round. Wednesday will play QPR the following Tuesday after the postponement of the Championship fixture last Saturday.

Last six games: Millwall LDLLLW; Sheff Weds WDWWDW.

Last time: Millwall 1 Sheff Wed 2; April 9, 2013; Championship.

Referee: L Probert (Wiltshere).