The Loan Rangers

After countless loanees utilised down at S6 last season, who has Dave Jones got his eye on to make a return for the next campaign?

Connor Wickham (Sunderland)

Despite being re-called early by then boss Martin O’Neill, Connor Wickham made quite an impression during his short stay with The Owls last season. Although he only managed one goal during his stay at S6, it proved to be crucial, coming in the 1-0 away win at Leicester City. News coming out of Sunderland suggests that the England U21 International is due another loan spell away from The Stadium of Light as former fan’s favourite and current Black Cats boss, Paolo Di Canio, looks to strengthen his attacking options. Do us a favour eh Paolo?

Ross Barkley (Everton)

One of the shining loan stars brought to the club by Dave Jones was the addition of midfielder Ross Barkley from Everton. The youngster would go on to make a further loan move to Yorkshire rivals Leeds United during the course of the season as David Moyes looked to gain some league experience for the 19-year-old. With Roberto Martinez now confirmed as the new gaffer over at Goodison Park, it’s likely that he’ll want to assess the entire squad during pre-season before making any decisions on the immediate futures of Barkely and alike. One thing’s for certain, DJ would jump at the chance of another loan deal.

Steve Howard (Hartlepool United)

‘Big’ Steve Howard was signed up for the final month of the campaign on an emergency loan deal from League Two outfit Hartlepool United. In what was a shock transfer for most Wednesdayites, Howard managed to keep out the likes of Gary Madine in a front two partnership with fellow loanee, Leroy Lita. It was also Howard’s only goal for the Owls which sent them on the way to survival, scoring in the last game of the season in the 2-0 win over Middlesbrough.  Maybe Dave Jones will be tempted to bring back the veteran front man as another attacking option for next season?

Jeremy Helan (Manchester City)

Signed initially as a covering left back for the injured Reda Johnson, Helan was eventually moved further up the field to cement a place on the left wing for The Owls during a successful loan spell from Manchester City. He also managed to bag a goal, scoring in stoppage time to give Wednesday a 2-0 victory over Charlton Athletic at Hillsborough. His versatility, pace and direct approach made him a popular figure at Hillsborough. A sure target for Dave Jones this summer, no doubt.

Stuart Holden (Bolton Wanderers)

USA international Stuart Holden was a regular for Bolton Wanderers in the Premier League, before an injury stricken spell on the sidelines during the last two seasons. Fully recovered, Holden arrived at Hillsborough for some much needed game time, and managed a total of four appearances for The Owls during his short stay in S6. Prising him away from The Reebok Stadium will be a tall order for fan’s favourite Holden, who will be looking to make his way back into the fold under Dougie Freedman.

Danny Pugh (Leeds United)

Dave Jones opted to bring in Danny Pugh from Leeds United as cover for Jeremy Helan. However, on Helan’s return, Pugh was moved to left back to accommodate Helan’s place on the left wing. Pugh’s versatility and experience were both key factors in his arrival at Hillsborough and is known to be a target for Dave Jones this summer. But with several midfielders currently on the rosta, can Wednesday realistically accommodate him? We’ll wait and see.

Leroy Lita (Swansea City)

The much travelled striker Leroy Lita arrived at Hillsborough during the January transfer window on loan from Premier League side, Swansea City. His reputation and expectation as a goalscorer in The Championship was soon fulfilled, scoring on his debut in the 2-1 away victory at Charlton Athletic. A total of 6 goals in 17 appearances, I’m sure most Wednesday fans would welcome Lita back to Hillsborough next season.

Jay Bothroyd (Queens Park Rangers)

After a ‘less than successful’ loan spell with The Owls at the start of last season, Jay Bothroyd returned to QPR to play some part in their unsuccessful Premier League survival bid. Despite just scoring once in 14 appearances, Bothroyd could still prove to be a threat in The Championship, either at QPR or elsewhere. Would Dave Jones really want to bring him back? Who knows.

Seyi Olofinjana (Free Agent)

Olofinjana joined the Owls on a loan deal from Hull City towards the end of the 2012/2013 campaign and impressed with some assured displays in the centre of the park. His experience and strength could be argued as a key factor in securing Wednesday’s status in The Championship. Now that Hull have secured promotion to the Premier League, Olofinjana has been released and is available as a free agent, sparking rumours of a return to Hillsborough on a more permanent basis.

Mamady Sidibe (Free Agent)

Another one of the more ‘forgetful’ loan spells last season was the signing of Stoke City striker, Mamady Sidibe. Like Bothroyd and Wickham, Sidibe only netted once for The Owls during his loan spell, but when he did it brought three points. His powerful diving header gave Wednesday a 1-0 away win in the Boxing Day clash at Bolton. Now a free agent, Sidibe will be looking for a new club. However, I don’t think there are many Wednesdayites who would want him back.

Who do you want to see back at Hillsborough next season?

Tweet us @sportyorkshire

Midfield anyone?

Jono Garnett takes a look at Wednesday’s midfield options ready for the 2013-2014 season. With Dave Jones seemingly focusing on youth, where are the missing links in the centre of the park? And who’s going to claim the four starting spots?

OUT WIDE

Jermaine Johnson

The club’s longest serving player has agreed (in principle) to a one-year contract extension, and Wednesdayites couldn’t be happier. JJ has been tearing up the wing at S6 since 2007 and seems to get better with age. At 32 years young, he remains one of the quickest and most exciting impact players in The Championship.

Danny Mayor

Despite a stint out on loan at Paul Sturrock’s Southend United at the end of last season, Danny Mayor is still regarded as one of the most promising young players at Hillsborough by manager Dave Jones. Signed from Preston North End at the end of the 2011/2012 campaign, Mayor has yet to break through into the first team, but this coming campaign could be the making of this tricky and attack-minded winger.

Michail Antonio

Last summer’s big signing was Michail Antonio from Reading. His arrival brought 9 goals before injury during the last campaign and Owls fans will want to see more of the same from one of the most popular players on the current rosta at Hillsborough. He’s certain to be a regular in Dave Jones’ side.

Kieran Lee

Although primarily a full back, Lee was utilised on the right hand side of midfield rather successfully during spells of the last campaign, the most eye-catching was probably away against Hull City.

MIDDLE OF THE PARK

Paul Corry

Another of Dave Jones’ youthful prospects added to the squad last season was 21-year-old Paul Corry who arrived from University College Dublin. His eye for a pass and creative flair in midfield was notable in several short outings during the last campaign, with appearances against the likes of Leeds United the most memorable from the youngster. His loan at Tranmere Rovers will have done him the world of good towards the end of last season and he’ll be keen to push on and stake a regular place in the side.

Liam Palmer

After a successful season-long loan at Tranmere Rovers, Palmer has developed into a creative and box-to-box midfielder and remains one of the brightest young talents at Hillsborough. Palmer has also recently signed an extended contract at S6, which adds a real statement of intent for the coming campaign for the player, who will be looking to become one of the first names on Dave Jones’ team sheet for the next campaign.

Rhys McCabe

A regular at the start of last season, McCabe arrived from Glasgow Rangers billed as one of the most exciting talents to emerge from the Scottish side in recent years. Despite this reputation and several good performances, it was Wednesday’s run of back-to-back defeats in September and October that lost him his regular place in the team as DJ looked to shake things up. However, after his first season at this level, he’ll be looking to cement his place in the manager’s plans for the next campaign.

Giles Coke

After being frozen out at Hillsborough in the 2011-12 season, Coke earned a surprise recall to the starting XI against Hull City and managed to keep it for the remainder of the season alongside the likes of David Prutton and loanee, Seyi Olifinjana. He was praised for the way he returned to the side and stuck to working hard in training. Taking his chance again will be a big factor in his future at Hillsborough next season.

David Prutton

Like Coke, Prutton was seemingly at the end of his Wednesday career after being loaned out to League One side Scunthorpe United at the beginning of last season. However, Prutton was handed a re-call by Dave Jones as the manager seeked some experience in the middle of the park. After an impressive run of performances from the veteran midfielder, Prutton kept his place and was a key figure in Wednesday’s survival in The Championship.

Jose Semedo

A fan’s favourite during the promotion winning 2011-2012 season, Semedo was again backed to become a mainstay in the heart of Wednesday’s midfield last season. However, he soon lost his place and was practically frozen out of first team duties by Dave Jones. The writing seems to be on the wall for the Portuguese defensive-midfielder, who is still under contract.

Chris Lines

Semedo’s midfield partner throughout the majority of the 2011-2012 campaign was Chris Lines, who picked up an  unfortunate injury during pre-season. Since then, he never really had a look in, and was soon loaned out to League 1 outfit MK Dons. Lines will be looking to put in a solid pre-season to keep in the mind of Dave Jones ready for next season.

Ayo Obileye

Like Palmer, Obileye is yet another graduate of the academy who has been handed a professional contract with the club and is rated by coach Lee Bullen as a ‘Yaya Toure’ figure in the heart of midfield. Although all early indications point to a loan move for the youngster, who’s to say he won’t make the step up and become a success this season?

Adam Hinchliffe

The second midfielder to graduate from the development squad. Like Obileye, Hincliffe is regarded as a hot prospect in midfield, with an eye for goal to boot.

MY STARTING MIDFIELD

Out of this lot, and before DJ makes any signings this summer, I’d opt for the following starting midfield:

LM – Jermaine Johnson

LCM – Liam Palmer

RCM – David Prutton

RM – Michail Antonio

Thoughts…?

Weekend Review

 Friday


Doncaster Rovers 0 - 3 Leeds United @ The Keepmoat Stadium


Dean Saunders' unbeaten run as Doncaster Rovers manager came to an abrupt halt on Friday night as Leeds United thumped his side 3-0.

Danny Pugh celebrates the opening goal in a 3-0 win for Leeds United at The Keepmoat Stadium.


Goals from Danny Pugh, Ross McCormack and Tom Lees condemned Rovers to their sixth defeat of the season and halted their progression out of the relegation places in The Championship.




Bristol Rovers 5 - 2 Rotherham United @ The Memorial Stadium


Rotherham's recent miserable run of form continued as Bristol Rovers ran out 5-2 winners at The Memorial Stadium on Friday night. Bristol were 3-0 up after half an hour, but were pegged back by two goals from Rotherham after the break. 

          Scott McGleish sends Bristol Rovers on their way to an emphatic 5-2 win over The Millers.


Guy Branston was making a starting return for The Millers after signing from Bradford City on loan for a second spell with the club. His debut was brought to a swift end in the second half however when he was shown a straight red card for a two-footed challenge. This led to two more goals for Bristol, who inflicted Rotherham's fourth straight defeat in League Two.






Saturday


Portsmouth 2 - 0 Barnsley @ Fratton Park


A managerless Portsmouth side greeted Keith Hill's Barnsley at Fratton Park, after Steve Cotterill left to take the vacant post at Nottingham Forest on Friday night. 

              Luke Varney grabs a second and ultimately three points for Managerless Portsmouth.


A wonderful strike from David Norris sent Pompey on their way in the second half, before former Sheffield Wednesday striker Luke Varney clinched three points for the home side and inflict Barnsley's first defeat in eight games.






Sunday


Sheffield United 2 - 2 Sheffield Wednesday @ Bramall Lane


It was a tale of two halves at Bramall Lane in the 126th Steel City Derby. United started the brighter of the two sides and were ahead early on afetr Stephen Quinn converted in off the post in front of the Kop. 


The Blades went into half time two goals to the good after Ched Evans latched onto a free kick and headed home into the near post.

                        Ched Evans doubles United's lead at Bramall Lane in the first half.


Sheffiled Wednesday responded in the second half but had to wait until the 84th minute to make a reply. Chris O'Grady getting his first goal for The Owls after heading Rob Jones' flick on in off the bar.


The equalizer came from the League's top goalscorer Gary Madine, who controversially out-jumped United goalkeeper Steve Simonsen to head home a point for Gary Megson's side, who are now five games unbeaten in the league.

                    The Wednesday bench celebrates after Gary Madine's late leveller at The Lane.

Blackpool Boys Join Blades

Blackpool midfielder Matt Phillips and striker Billy Clarke have both joined Sheffield United today on an emergency one month loan deal.

Clarke, 24, has made just four starts this season, whilst Phillips, 20, has hardly featured at all for The Seasiders.

Phillips and Clarke are expected to deputise for United on Sunday against Wednesday.

Manager Ian Holloway was more than happy for his players to seek first-team football at Bramall Lane and told the BBC;


"I want Matt (Phillips) to regain the total confidence he had in himself last year. Wherever I played him he was great.

"He scored from right-back against Blackburn. He played right wing at Manchester City and ripped their left-back apart, but he doesn't look quite the same at the moment.

"As for Billy (Clarke), I believe he needs to regain confidence in his body. He has spent a whole year getting over an injury and he is probably in a worse mental state than all of us because he never even kicked a ball in the Premier League and we are out of it again. 

"I don't think it will take him long to get his sharpness and belief back."

The duo are expected to be thrown straight into the mix in Sunday's Steel City Derby when Sheffiled Wednesday make the short trip across the city to face Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.

Millers Land Defensive Duo

Rotherham United today completed the loan signings of Guy Branston and Jon Harley from Bradord city and Notts County respectively.

The pair are eligible to play tonight away at Bristol Rovers and are expected to be included in the starting line-up.

New defensive duo: Branston and Harley join The Millers on emergency short-term loans.

Millers boss Andy Scott opted to bring Guy Branston back to Rotherham United after previously playing under Ronnie Moore between 1999 - 2004. He signs on an emergency three-month loan from fellow League Two outfit, Bradford City, who he joined in the summer.

Jon Harley joins on an emergency one-month loan deal from League One Notts County. The former Chelsea and Sheffield United man is keen to get some games under his belt after losing his place at Notts County under Manager Martin Allen.

Steel City Sunday: The Preview

Sheffield United vs. Sheffield Wednesday @ Bramall Lane (Sunday, 12pm KO)

Here it is. The big one.


Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday go head-to-head for the first time this season, and for the first time in the new Millennium when both clubs have been in the third tier of English Football.


A sold out Bramall Lane (and 8,000 watching a special 'Beam Back' at Hillsborough) will play witness to what is predicted to be a real cracker of a game, which is getting harder to call as the week goes on.


There are so many elements to consider in this game. Former Owls player and manager Danny Wilson is now the man in the hot seat at Bramall Lane, who will be experiencing his first game against Wednesday as United boss on Sunday. 


Gary Megson is another former player, now of course, the manager. It is Megson's side who have the upper hand in this fixture in terms of form, but as we all know, form counts for nothing in this local derby.

Last time at the Lane: Jamie Ward gives United the lead at The Lane, as The Blades win 3-2.

Last time at Hillsborough: Darren Potter fires Wednesday into the lead in the 1-1 draw.


Our bloggers:


Paul, Sheffield United;

"It’s the biggest match for the fans and the biggest match League One will ever see. 

"Some of my best friends are Wednesday fans and I’m sure they will give me a right hammering if they win, but it would only be the same the other way round.

"They say that the formbook goes out of the window when it comes to these games; I really hope this is true because we are certainly not in form and they are. 

"I'd like to think that we are at home and that gives us the edge but ask Huddersfield and Charlton about our home form. The Blade in me thinks we will win, the brain says I'd be happy with a draw.

"I’m saying 2-1 to the Blades..."

Read Paul's thoughts on the Sheffield United page: 
http://sportyorkshire.blogspot.com/p/sheffield-united.html

Don, Sheffield Wednesday;

"I genuinely fancy us on Sunday and how could I not based on our start to the season?

"I was speculative about the Owls' start to the season, but ultimately positive and that positive feeling has done nothing but grow!

"Going into the game on Sunday at Bramall Lane is going to be electric! Sheffield literally focuses on nothing else. Everyone talks about if for weeks no matter what the context, whether you're an avid fan or a member of the Emergency Services, the city really does stop for Derby day. 

"I just can't call it and by the looks of things, neither can anyone else. Playing Devil's advocate allows me to be synical and say; 'We are due a defeat' but the Owl on my shoulder says; 'We can continue an unbeaten run'..." 


Read Don's thoughts on the Sheffield Wednesday page: http://sportyorkshire.blogspot.com/p/sheffield-wednesday.html

Key men:

Player: Harry Maguire

Team: Sheffield United   

Position: Defence

Young Harry McGuire will get his first taste of a Steel City derby on Sunday after graduating from United's youth set-up last season. He has been ever-present at the back for The Blades this season and will be thoroughly tested on Sunday against Wednesday's front line.

Player: Rob Jones

Team: Sheffield Wednesday 

Position: Defence

Lifelong Owl Rob Jones was handed the captaincy by Gary Megson in the summer and has helped shape the core of Wednesday's back line this season so far. This is also his first Steel City Derby.

Player: Nick Montgomery      

Team: Sheffield United

Position: Midfield

Despite being rule out due to injury recently, Nick Montgomery is tipped to make an early return to the side for the visit of Wednesday on Sunday. His experience in this particular fixture could prove vital for Wilson's side.

Player: Jose Semedo

Team: Sheffield Wednesday

  

Position: Midfield

Owls midfielder Jose Semedo has been the key man in midfield so far this season, after breaking joining from Charlton in the summer. He could be the key to an Owls win on Sunday.

Player: Ched Evans

Team: Sheffield United

Position: Forward

Ched Evans has had a summer to forget at Sheffield United after relegation to League One and a court case to boot. But his return to the side has proved to be a real source of goals for The Blades which they'll need to overcome their Steel City rivals.

Player: Gary Madine

Team: Sheffield Wednesday

Position: Forward


Former Carlisle United striker Gary Madine goes into this game as the League's top goal scorer with ten out of ten games. His ability to hold the ball up and find the back of the net will be crucial for The Owls on Sunday.

Weekend Preview

Doncaster Rovers vs. Leeds United @ The Keepmoat Stadium (7.45pm KO, Friday)

Rovers boss Dean Saunders has a plethora of new faces to show-off at The Keepmoat Stadium on Friday night, as his Doncaster Rovers team face Leeds United in front of the Sky Sports cameras.


New loan goalkeeper Chris Kirkland could deputise in goal for Rovers, who could also hand a debut to Pascal Chimbonda in the back four.

Big names: Chimbonda and Kirkland could debutise tomorrow night for Doncaster Rovers against Leeds.




The recent partnership of John Parkin and Billy Sharp looks promising for Doncaster, who will be looking to get one over their Yorkshire rivals after the recent defeat to Leeds in the Carling Cup.

Leeds are currently mid-table in The Championship after going unbeaten in their last three games, winning 1-0 at home to Portsmouth last time out at Elland Road. 




Portsmouth vs. Barnsley @ Fratton Park

Barnsley are in fine form in The Championship recently and will travel to face Portsmouth on Saturday believing they pick up back-to-back wins in the league. Veteran striker Andy Gray has led the line superbly in recent games and the form of young captain Jacob Butterfield seems to be improving with every game. 


The bad news for The Tykes going into the game at Fratton Park is the loss of midfielder David Perkins, who will be out for a month with a hamstring injury.

Former Colchester midfielder, Perkins, will be missing on Saturday for The Tykes.


One distraction for the home side could be the speculation over the future of their boss Steve Cotterill, who has been linked with the vacant post at Nottingham Forest since Steve McClaren left the club. Former Tykes boss Mark Robins has also been linked with the job at the City Ground.






Bristol Rovers vs. Rotherham United @ Memorial Stadium (7.45pm KO, Friday)

Rotherham United will be looking to finally put an end to their miserable recent run of just one win in their last six league games, scoring only once in the last three. Miller boss Andy Scott is still in the market for loan defenders after publicly critisising the back four in recent matches.


One man who has been in the firing line recently is Millers defender Tom Newey, but he told the Sheffield Star that the team is working hard to put things right;


“We are working very hard in training to put it right. It has not been easy because we have not had a settled back four.

“Saying that, it is not just the back four; it is the team. There were some individual errors we made at Port Vale and against Sheffield United but these things happen. No one means to make a mistake but we have to try and cut them out. I am very confident with the squad that we have got that we can turn the corner quickly.”

Millers defender Tom Newey believes Rotherham can turn the corner away at Bristol Rovers.

Bristol have lost the last two games themselves, but could go level on points with The Millers with a win. Rovers have struggled to adapt to life back in League Two following relegation from League One last season.