It’s been another busy few days around Sheffield Wednesday, and once again the biggest talking point has been what’s happening off the pitch.
With relegation to League One confirmed, attention has naturally shifted towards the summer and what comes next for the club. Results still matter, but for many Wednesday fans the main focus now is the bigger picture, especially with the takeover still ongoing.
There was at least some positive news on that front. David Storch shared an update saying his group had cleared a “major hurdle” in their attempt to take ownership of the club. He also said they are still aiming to complete a deal before the end of the season.
That doesn’t mean anything is done yet, but it does suggest progress is being made behind the scenes. Given everything the club has been through in recent months, any positive movement there will be welcomed.
Away from the takeover talk, a number of Wednesday players have also been involved in international action over the break.
Seven Owls players featured across three continents over the last few days. Marvelous Nakamba captained Zimbabwe to a 3-0 win over Botswana and now has the chance to face Zambia in the final of the Mukuru 4 Nations Tournament. Jamal Lowe also got on the pitch for Jamaica in their World Cup qualifier win over New Caledonia, while Pierce Charles and Devlan Moses were both involved for Northern Ireland.
There was also action at youth level. Gabriel Otegbayo was an unused substitute for the Republic of Ireland Under-21s, Joel Ndala played almost the entire game as England Under-20s drew 3-3 with Italy, and Will Grainger and Logan Stretch both came on in the second half for Wales Under-19s in their defeat to the United States.
Back at Hillsborough, Jerry Yates has been voted the club’s Player of the Month for March.
The striker picked up 60% of the fans’ vote after scoring his first goals for the club in recent weeks. After finding the net against Southampton in late February, he also scored in March against Derby County and Watford. Svante Ingelsson finished second in the voting, with Jamal Lowe in third.
There was also a small loan update involving one of the club’s younger players, with Harry Evers extending his stay at Trafford FC until the end of the season.
The young defender joined the Pitching In Northern Premier League West side in January and has played seven games during his temporary spell so far.
Another player whose future is likely to be talked about in the coming weeks is Iké Ugbo.
It’s been a frustrating period for the striker. After making a big impact during his earlier loan spell at Hillsborough, things have not gone to plan since his permanent move. Injury has not helped, and his game time has been very limited in recent weeks.
Henrik Pedersen has said the club will continue to support Ugbo and has not ruled him out of his plans. For now, the message is that Wednesday will use the final games of the season to do all they can to help him, and Pedersen has made clear that Ugbo is still part of the squad picture.
That probably sums up where Wednesday are right now. There are still matches left to play, but much of the attention is already on the summer.
The takeover remains the biggest issue, because that will shape everything else. Alongside that, there are players picking up minutes on international duty, others getting recognised for their performances, and a few whose futures are still unclear. Personally, I remain cautiously optimistic. WAWAW!