Sheffield Wednesday in decline - Tony Pulis to give honest appraisal to Dejphon Chansiri

Pulis refused to divulge what he would say but it was clear from his post-match comments on Saturday and again at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground on Tuesday night he sees a club in decay.

Even when he tried to say something nice after the 2-0 defeat to another relegation-threatened, demoralised big club, it was damning. “I think the players are doing their best,” was his faint praise. “The better players within the group didn’t control the game like they did in the first half. That’s not saying they’re lacking characte.”

He added: “As a manager over a long period of time coming into the football club I’ll give the chairman a real honest assessment. There’ll be no sugar-coating, no pussy-footing around.

“From what I can gather from what people are telling me about this time last year, I don’t think it has just started. They got beaten somewhere and conceded a couple of goals late on (at Stoke City on Boxing Day) and from that time, things have just spun.”

Pulis made it clear last weekend he does not think much to the depth of his squad, but he was impressed by midfielder Shaw, playing for the first time since being sent off at Reading, and centre-back Dunkley, whose first two appearances since breaking his leg at Wigan Athletic in February have shown badly needed leadership qualities.

“I looked at a couple (of players) again,” he said. “Hunty (Alex Hunt) got a chance, they’ve told me he’s a good midfielder, this, that and the other. But it’s difficult for lads to come on and play in a team that’s struggling.

“I thought Liam did really well and blew up with half an hour to go. In the first half, out of all the academy players I’ve seen so far, it’s only been a month, he’s the one you look at and think he could be a real asset to the football club. I thought he was very, very good.

“And the big centre-half needs a real tap on the back too, he’s been absolutely fabulous. I wouldn’t mind another nine like him.”

Pulis has been crystal clear he needs reinforcements in the January transfer window, but did not inspire confidence he will get the finances he needs, or that he 
will be able to bring them in quickly.

Asked if the recruitment work was underway, he replied: “We’ll see happens, what transpires.”

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