Henrik Pedersen confirmed today that the Wednesday players and staff will be paid on time this month.
When asked about the situation at today’s press conference, ahead of Saturday’s home game with Swansea, the Owls boss said: “I have been told by the chairman that all players and staff will be paid on time for August
“I can only answer for this month but I hope this will be normal in the future.”
Wednesday go into the game against mid-table Swansea still looking for a first win in three Championship matches this season but Pedersen is pleased with the progress that his small squad is making.
He said: “We have had some good weeks behind us now. There were some good things at Wrexham, particularly in the second half.
“Then the young boys played against Leeds on Tuesday with big heart, big passion and big discipline – they were two great games for us.
“I really feel that the culture right now is starting to develop. There is a big belief and trust within the squad and a big courage to do something together. To show who we are.
“I can feel that the players want to go out on Saturday and take the next step in this development.”
Gabriel Otegbayo didn’t train on Thursday because of the dead leg which forced him off in a heavy challenge against Leeds and Pedersen said they will see how he is on Friday before making a decision on whether he is considered for selection.
The manager will no doubt recall his more senior players to the starting line-up, following the remarkable midweek showing by our team of largely academy players in the penalty shootout victory against Leeds.
One player who will definitely keep his place against Swansea is loanee keeper Ethan Horvath, who saved two penalties in the spot kick drama on Tuesday evening and earnt big praise from Pedersen, the manager saying of the performance in his home debut: “He had a really difficult beginning at Wrexham. But he went into his second game against Leeds with real courage and belief and I was so impressed with his performance. Big respect to him.”
Sidelined keeper Pierce Charles will have surgery on his shoulder injury tomorrow (Friday) with the club then waiting for assessments on his recovery time.
Pedersen also confirmed that the club continues to speak with the EFL to try to get permission to sign new players in this transfer window while he believes they are close to recruiting additional coaching staff.
However, not surprisingly, he added that he doesn’t expect any players to leave the club in the window, saying: “I believe we will keep everyone. We have a small squad and if we sell players it will hurt us more, so I don’t expect us to sell anyone.”
