Two things Challinor needs at Owls

Sheffield Wednesday’s new manager, Dave Challinor, has called for a sharp improvement after describing the team’s first-half performance against Oldham as being played at “testimonial pace”. The article argues that his blunt message is needed because too many players are below their potential, but says the side also needs better health and a stronger focal point in attack to improve its prospects.

Wednesday have struggled to field a settled defence, with Ricardo Santos, Liam Cooper and Di’Shon Bernard among those whose minutes or return from injury need managing; Sil Swinkels has also missed time. The return of Louie Barry could strengthen the attack alongside Davis Keillor-Dunn, but the article says the squad lacks a physical number nine to link play and occupy defenders. It points to former Wednesday striker Michael Smith, now at Mansfield, and Jake Beesley, who joined Bradford, as players who could have filled that role, and identifies it as a priority for January if finances allow.