Bring it on - Swansea

Swansea are the opponents for the Owls tomorrow of course, so we need to speak to one of theirs.. 

Well seeing as Jack1912 signed up on Owlsonline the other day it would've been rude not to ask whether he would BRING IT ON!!!!

1) You're looking good for a lofty playoff birth, is that anywhere near what you expected the club to achieve this season?

In a word, no. After the turmoil of last summer with Martinez leaving along with all of the backroom staff [literally!] and our top goalscorer, Jason Scotland, plus the loss of loanee Jordi Gomez, the majority thought we'd be in a relegation dogfight for the season and that survival was the priority. Both Scotland and Gomez contributed to roughly 45 goals last term and I for one questioned where the goals would come from this season, and they haven't really, but you don't need to score many when your defence is as excellent as ours.
I think we're the meanest club in the division having only conceded 23 so far, Newcastle are second having only conceded 24. Everytime I look at the table I have to punch myself [pinching doesn't have the desired effect anymore!]. Never in a million years would I have thought to see Swansea in 4th place in the Championship, 9 points clear of 7th and have hopes of going up automatically even!

2) Shefki Kuqi, a player that split opinion in his time with Wednesday, his head as to be shaped like a toblerone. What do you lot think of him then?

We all love him! Scoring on your debut certainly helps him to get the supporters on his side. Never gives less than 100% for the cause and has popped up with 3 goals to help us to 3 1-0 wins! A really good signing on a free transfer. Comes across like a genuine pro which is hard enough to find these days.

3) When you're gaffer moved on, did you fear the worst? Has Sousa changed much and how do the fans react to him?

As I said above, we all thought we'd be scrapping it out this season at the other end of the table. When Martinez left us it was like finding out your missus had been cheating on you, then grabbed your knackers and tightened then in a vice. Of course, we can't forget what he did for us as a player and manager.

As for Sousa, well his appointment was a bit left-field. No one had even given him much thought as a replacement. All the talk was on Gary Speed, Gus Poyet and even Aidy Bothroyd God forbid!! Then one day out of the blue Sousa had agreed to become our new manager. Split opinions amongst our support of mass proportions ensued. People were calling for his head after about 5 games in charge.
I was hoping for Poyet so was disappointed with his appointment and hold my hand up for judging him after only his tenure at QPR, which to be honest could be scrapped from his CV. We didn't start off well but that could be contributed due to the mass injuries we suffered at the beginning of the season - think we had about 8 key players out injured at one point! But as the season has gone on we have seen the real Paulo Sousa team. More direct in sense of attacking quicker, we have a plan a, b and c, we are far better defensively this season, whilst still playing attractive football - overall I think Sousa is a better manager than Martinez, and getting him in has been an excellent coup by our board. What Sousa has achieved this season has been nothing short of miraculous.

4) An ex Owl and an ex Blade in the side, Monk and Cotterill. Obviously both will get some stick, but who take our eye off them two as an emerging talent at the Liberty Stadium.

I don't think he'll be fit enough to play this weekend but Joe Allen is a very promising youngster. Only 19 and already an integral member of our squad. Another promising youngster we have and who will probably start is Jazz Richards. A central midfielder by trade he has had to fill in at left back this season due to the injury of Fede Bessone. He's done remarkably well there even though it isn't his natural position and he isn't even left-footed! Irvine is a good manager and will have done his homework on us so I expect your attacks to come down our left hand side tomorrow to test young Jazz.

5) Cardiff are quite obviously your rivals, and of course I'm sure having the Brizzle teams lose is a good thing for you lot. But who else do you really like your side to beat?

Leeds without a doubt. I really can't stand the club, fans and even the city. Horrible. Also have a disliking towards your rivals, even if it is only due to Chris Morgan being a dirty so and so. I've never really liked any club from London so it's always nice to beat one of them lot.

6) Tell us what you know about Sheffield Wednesday?

A great club. I remember my grandad telling me about you lot - about Jake Brown [correct me if I'm wrong here with names], Harry Burgess and of course Welshman Peter Rodriguez. I tell you what I am surprised a whole host of managers weren't falling over themselves to be your next manager. You have the potential to be a massive club in the Premiership. You have a great support and history and Irvine has landed himself a hell of a job there with you. If he could keep you in the league this season, get some players in, then you'll have a great chance of promotion next year. A club of your stature deserve to be there if you ask me instead of clubs like Bolton and Wigan for example.

7) Any memories of games against us, good and bad?

I am far too young to remember many games against you, being only 22. Last season was frustrating having scored first and we got a very good result earlier on this season against you. You have a pretty good record against us at Swansea - hopefully that will end by 5pm tomorrow!

8) Do you think we will avoid the dreaded drop?

It's going to be difficult with a few clubs around you with 1 or 2 games in hand on you, but I hope you do stay up. As I said above, you are far too big a club to fall down the leagues. Even if you did go down, i am sure you'll be back up the following season. Irvine will have a dull pre-season with you to get his own players in, etc, and you'll be much stronger for it. Good luck!

9) Team news?

Former Blades winger Cotterill could come back. he's been out for the past 2-3 games with a hammy injury picked up with Wales duty where he only came on for the last 10 or so minues - very frustrating as he's been a revelation since joining us. Our Spanish striker Pintado is still suspended after his 'fair' [he he] tackle of Robbie Savage. Garry Monk and Fede Bessone are still out, while Andrea Orlandi and Albert Serran are struggling to overcome hamstring problems.

10) Score prediction?

I don't like giving predictions, but here goes; I think it'll be a difficult game with you needing every point available right now, but I think we'll come away with the three points. A Swans win by a single goal in a very tight game. With all due respect here, we do need to beat teams in your position if we are to secure a play-off spot and hopefully climb further up the league.

Massive thanks to Jack for taking the time to answer our questions, and once again we hope the prediction is way off mark and we take the spoils!!!

Look out for the match report on Sunday, and let's hope it's a good one!

 

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