Sheffield Wednesday are back at Middlewood Road following a productive training camp at St George’s Park, with Henrik Pedersen’s squad continuing preparations for the new League One campaign.
The Owls spent last week working at the Football Association’s national training centre, where the players were put through a demanding programme of fitness, tactical and technical sessions.
Wednesday have now returned to Sheffield, but their stay at Middlewood Road will be brief. The squad are due to travel to Hungary and Austria for the European leg of their pre-season programme, which will also include a friendly against Stoke City in Vienna.
Before then, however, Wednesday will make the short journey across the city for their opening public friendly of the summer.
Owls face Hallam at Sandygate
Wednesday take on Hallam at Sandygate tonight, Tuesday 14 July, with kick-off scheduled for 7:30pm.
The fixture will give Pedersen an opportunity to distribute minutes across his squad following the week at St George’s Park. A number of senior players, academy prospects and potentially some trialists could be involved as the head coach continues assessing his options.
Wednesday are also expected to wear their new home kit in a match for the first time.
Tickets are priced at £10 for adults and £5 for concessions, including supporters aged 17 and under.
The game was originally announced in June and continues the club’s tradition of supporting local non-league sides during pre-season.
Transfer business continues
Wednesday have already completed a significant amount of recruitment during the opening weeks of the summer transfer window.
Joe Lumley, Louie Barry, Harry Gray, Sil Swinkels, Callum Slattery, Jordi Liongola and Ricardo Santos are among the players brought into the squad, while Barry Bannan has also returned to Hillsborough.
The level of early activity has provided Pedersen with the foundations of a more competitive group, although further additions are expected before the League One season begins.
Wednesday are believed to be exploring several positions as they look to improve the balance and depth of the squad.
The club have also demonstrated a willingness to make longer-term decisions in the transfer market, rather than relying exclusively on short-term loans and free agents.
Pierce Charles’ move to Manchester City was an example of that approach. The goalkeeper was sold rather than being allowed to enter the final year of his contract, with Wednesday securing value for one of their most promising young players.
Jaden Heskey remains on the radar
As reported by Joe Crann at The Wednesday Word, one player who continues to be linked with a return to Hillsborough is Manchester City attacking midfielder Jaden Heskey.
Heskey spent the second half of last season on loan with Wednesday, making 20 league appearances after arriving in January.
The 20-year-old did not score during his temporary spell, but his athleticism, versatility and willingness to carry the ball left a positive impression during an exceptionally difficult period for the club.
Reports suggest Wednesday’s interest remains active, although the Owls would prefer to explore a permanent agreement rather than another temporary move.
Heskey is currently contracted to Manchester City and Wednesday would therefore need to reach an agreement with the Premier League club.
A return would provide Pedersen with another young attacking option capable of playing centrally or from a wider position.
A more settled summer at Hillsborough
There has been a noticeably different atmosphere around Wednesday during the opening weeks of the summer.
Players have been recruited early, contract decisions have been communicated and the squad have been provided with high-level training facilities as part of a structured pre-season programme.
Work is also continuing away from the pitch, with improvements being made at Hillsborough and Middlewood Road ahead of the new campaign.
There remains plenty to complete before the opening League One fixture against Leyton Orient, particularly in terms of squad depth, but Wednesday appear to be operating with a clearer plan than they have in previous summers.
Tonight’s meeting with Hallam represents the next step in that preparation and the first opportunity for the fans to see Pedersen’s developing squad in action.