Football Season Guide

Darren Moore has faced something of a baptism of fire since taking over as manager of Sheffield Wednesday. More than once might he have regretted his decision to jump ship at Yorkshire neighbours Doncaster Rovers at the beginning of March. The lure of such a huge club was clearly too much but they have lurched from crisis to crisis under the chaotic ownership of Thai businessman Dejphon Chansiri. Moore had barely been in the job a month when he was hit by Covid-19 and was still recovering from the illness when Wednesday’s relegation from the Championship was confirmed. He inherited a bloated squad of over-paid players and has spent the summer trying to build a squad capable of bouncing straight back at the first attempt. Some of the big names have been linked with moves away, most notably winger Josh Windass. Midfielder Barry Bannan is another whilst goalkeeper Joe Wildsmith could also move on. Moore is likely to be busy in the transfer market right up until it shuts at the end of August and it could take a time for his new side to settle. He has so far brought in winger Olamide Shodipo on a season-long loan from Queens Park Rangers, midfielder Dennis Adenrian from Everton and full-back Jaden Brown from Huddersfield Town. Full-back Jack Hunt has made a popular return from Bristol City. There will be many more new arrivals. Moore will be expected to guide Wednesday back to the Championship at the first attempt but, with continued problems off the pitch, things could soon quickly unravel.