League One has been an exciting league this season, at both ends of the table. With two games left and still all to play for, the climax of this turbulent year is sure to capture more headlines than usual due to the interesting race between the two steel city clubs for the last automatic spot. Sheffield Wednesday are the team in form but Sheffield United have the extra point on their next-door neighbors. Here are the main 5 reasons I believe Sheffield Wednesday have what it takes to pip their rivals and rejoin the second tier of English football.
5. The Manager
There was a ripple of shock around Hillsborough when Gary Megson was dismissed of his duty after the steel city victory. However it seems to have been a masterstroke by chairman Milan Mandaric as Megsons successor Dave Jones is still undefeated in his Hillsborough reign. The Owls now play football that is much more pleasing on the eye and with it seems to have come a more confident, dominant Wednesday. Jones has the experience of being at the top end of tables from his time at Wolves and Cardiff, and maybe more so thank his counterpart across the city Danny Wilson.
4. The Spirit
Wednesday have shown a lot of desire and commitment all season long, and under Megson these were perhaps the teams best qualities, but since the change in the office the never say die attitude has really come to the forefront. Last weekends game against a strong Carlisle team displayed this more than ever. 1-1 going in to stoppage time and many was thought the game was over, except for the players. They kept going until the final whistle and got their reward when Michail Antonio struck the winner and scenes of adulation unfolded in the stands and on the pitch.
3. The Squad
The Owls seem to have a great strength in depth throughout their squad. When skipper Rob Jones received his fifth yellow card and a suspension there was no panic in replacing the center half. Up stepped Miguel Llera who has shone in the first team with a string of impressive performances, which ended in him being in the team of the week. Wednesday dont seem to rely on one person to score either. Gary Madine is the clubs top scorer with 18 goals but if he is injured or having in off day there are plenty of others who can step up. Ryan Lowe, Michail Antonio and Jermaine Johnson have all popped up with vital goals, as well as left back Reda Johnson who is the clubs second top scorer. Also, squad players such as Daniel Jones and David Prutton can barely even get a look in, when I am near enough certain they would be first team players for a lot of clubs at this level.
2. The Fans
I have noticed a distinct change in the mindset of fans at Hillsborough. They no longer seem to get antsy when things arent going their teams way and now seem to be safe in the knowledge that the team will produce something. A more patient approach from the fans seem to have rubbed off on the players and they seem to now complement each other quite well at home matches.
1. Ched Evans
It may sound slightly disrespectful to be saying a man being put in jail can help the Owls gain promotion, but its a fact! Evans has been lethal this season and United showed last weekend they look a little lost without him, much to the enjoyment of Wednesday fans. I dont mean to rub salt in to wounds of United fans or stir the mixture in any way but no one can deny that his imprisonment will be a factor if Wednesday end up grabbing that last automatic spot. Im sure everyone who reads this will have their own reasons why teams are able to get promoted, but these are the main reasons I still have hope that Wednesday will clinch that second spot come the end of the season.