Tranmere Rovers v Sheffield Wednesday: Megson tells Owls avoiding drop is first priority

Megson watched his new side slump to a 2-1 defeat at Rochdale last weekend and is desperate to stop a slide towards the League One relegation zone.

Speaking ahead of tonight’s trip to Tranmere Rovers, Megson said: “We have to stop looking at targets that are maybe too far ahead.

“Before I got this job, the team had picked up two points from a possible 18 and had let in 25 goals in the last six games. That’s the reality of where we are – twice as near to the relegation zone as the promotion zone.

“We have to think about the here and now. This club has produced (top) players in the past and will produce players in the future but for us, it’s about producing results on the pitch right now.”

Megson has vowed to make changes to his side tonight with midfielder Isaiah Osbourne and striker Gary Madine both likely to be promoted from the bench.

“It will be changed because we’re not turning up in the first half,” he said. “What is going on is not palatable. I don’t like doing it – but I will continue to do so (until results improve).

“The big problem we are having is keeping clean sheets. And at the moment, the big problem is keeping it below two. We are not going to do anything if we have to score three goals just to get something from a game. We have to be more solid without being negative.

“One of the ways of defending better is by attacking more,” he added.

“I don’t want it booting up hill and down dale but I do want us looking forward as opposed to square and back whenever we can. It will take a little bit of time for the players to know what’s expected. We have got to try and get our tempo quicker.”

The Owls have three more away games to play before they return to Hillsborough – including an FA Cup fifth round tie next weekend at Birmingham City.

“We have to take it one step at a time,” said Megson. “We are going to Tranmere and we will be trying to get a result. If we can get some decent results on the road we will find ourselves in a month’s time with a little bit of momentum and most of our games at Hillsborough. At the moment, it’s faltering and stuttering.”

Tranmere, who are 17th in the table, will leapfrog the Owls if they win tonight at Prenton Park.

Last six games: Tranmere DLWDDW, Owls LDWLDL.

Last time: Tranmere 4 Owls 2; August 27, 2004; League One.

Referee: ND Swarbrick (Lancashire).