Wednesday finally get back to the job of playing competitive football at Leicester City tomorrow but with the fallout of a desperate summer at S6 still very much in the mix.
We go into the Championship opener at the King Power Stadium after months of doom and gloom, losing five of our most influential players, manager Danny Rohl leaving the club, seeing the North Stand closed for safety reasons, players and staff alike not being paid on time, various EFL embargoes and restrictions on the club … and all amidst the backdrop of when, or if, chairman Dejphon Chansiri does the right thing and sells up.
Even before the game kicks off on Sunday the Sky cameras will be firmly on the sold out away end, as the 3,200 Wednesdayites – led by the Sheffield Wednesday Supporters’ Trust – are planning a protest against the chairman by not taking their seats until five minutes into the match.
Added to this, a light aircraft trailing a message to Chansiri is also scheduled to fly over the stadium.
On the pitch, it is a first game in charge for Henrik Pedersen and he said this week: “I have been a part of this fantastic football club for nearly two years and to take over this job means a lot to me and for my family.”
He was also full of praise for the commitment of the threadbare squad and the coaching staff, adding: “The players have worked really well and now they are looking forward to playing a football match where there are consequences again.”
On the sellout away crowd, Pedersen said: “Our away fans are always fantastic. They have intensity and bring positive energy.
”We will do all that we can to repay them on the pitch and I think together we can produce a tough performance on Sunday.”
One piece of good news during the pre-season was Barry Bannan signing a new contract at the club. There were then concerns over his registration but reports appear to indicate that he should now be available to play at Leicester.
Premier League solidarity payments received this week have seemingly meant delayed wages have been paid, along with some embargo restrictions being lifted which enable the club to register Bannan.
Pedersen said: “To have Barry here as part of us for the future means a lot to the fans.
“For the players, Barry is a fantastic captain and for him to choose us again now also gives confidence and belief to the players, to the staff and for me personally.”
Tomorrow’s match kicks off at 4.30pm and the manager has a slimline squad to choose from with experienced players supported by youngsters.
