Chelters

Saturday 23 April 1994 FA Carling Premiership Ipswich Town (home) Despite the rather flat performance at Coventry in the previous game, Wednesday were still riding (relatively) high in 6th place but with any outside chance of Europe now pretty much extinguished. They welcomed to Hillsborough a struggling Ipswich side who were a few places above the relegation zone but still very much in trouble. Earlier in the season the Owls had recorded an impressive 4-1 win at Portman Road, kickstarting a run of form that lifted them from the relegation zone to the top half. It was a beautiful April afternoon at Hillsborough and, with no real pressure on the game for Wednesday but some impressive recent form (particularly at home) it was set up for an enjoyable game, and it certainly proved to the case, but only for Wednesdayites. The match was just 6 minutes old when the Owls took the lead. Nigel Worthington found space on the left and drifted a cross into the box, the ball eluded the Wednesday strikers but was then inexplicably headed into the top corner by David Linighan for an own goal. The Linighan family had a strange relationship with the Owls, with Andy of course scoring that FA Cup goal but also having scored an own goal himself at Hillsborough in his Norwich days, and younger brothers Brian and John in the Wednesday setup. Ipswich were clearly struggling and it took just 10 more minutes for Wednesday to make it two as a lovely ball behind the defence from Ryan Jones was slotted in first time by Gordon Watson. The game looked already done and Wednesday continued to pour forward, with only some missed chances and stubborn goalkeeping by Craig Forrest keeping the score down. Mark Bright could have had a first half hat-trick but didn't manage to convert any of the chances whilst Carlton Palmer was unlucky to not find an Owls shirt with his cutback after rounding the keeper. Ipswich had one chance when Kevin Pressman saved from Ian Marshall, but the Tractor Boys could consider themselves fortunate to be only two down at the break. Unlike the previous home game against QPR, there was no let up in the second half. In the 56th minute, John Sheridan's free kick was flicked on for Andy Pearce to head home in front of a delighted Kop. With 20 minutes to go Worthington was again the provider as his cross was headed home at the near post by Chris Bart-Williams for the fourth. All the goals were being celebrated by the home crowd in that laid-back, polite end of season way that a crowd has when their team is knocking it about nicely in a no-pressure game. There was still time for a fifth in injury time, Graham Hyde did all the hard work as his first effort was saved, his second looped onto the crossbar and Mark Bright hammered the ball in from close range. Then the house was almost brought down by a Des Walker goal but he just failed to connect from close range. It would have marked a great season for the ever-present England defender who had just been crowned the Supporters' Player of the Year. Ipswich were shellshocked and getting deeper in trouble, whilst Wednesday made it 16 goals in four home games and elevated them, for now at least, to the position of top home scorers in the Premiership. Final score : Wednesday 5-0 Ipswich Wednesday : Pressman, Nilsson, Worthington, Pearce, Walker, Bart-Williams, Jones, Sheridan (Hyde 84), Palmer, Watson (Jemson 84), Bright. Unused sub : Woods Ipswich : Forrest, Stockwell, Johnson, Linighan, Wark, Palmer, Slater, Williams (Yallop 66), Milton (Guentchev 60), Kiwomya, Marshall. Unused sub : Barker Attendance : 23,475

RIP, always sad to lose a true Owl

Weird isn’t that when the big clubs complain about playing too many games they always blame the domestic programme rather than the European one. There must be some reason I’m sure, can’t quite put my finger on it…..

I saw an article in WSC at the time of the enquiry suggesting those who blamed Liverpool fans were akin to holocaust deniers, so I think we’re already there.

Long day….

Saturday 16 April 2024 FA Carling Premiership Coventry City (away) With an outside chance of Europe still on the cards, Wednesday's late season form - coupled with scoring more than a few goals as well - meant that the entertainment value was still high enough going into the last few games of the season. Unfortunately, up next were the distinctly un-entertaining Coventry City. Not only had they ground out a completely forgettable 0-0 at Hillsborough back in November, but they had also become Wednesday's bogey team, with just 1 win in the last 13 league fixtures. The Owls squad had been buoyed by deserved international recognition for the first time for Kevin Pressman and Chris Bart-Williams, both of whom had been called up to an England training camp, and Ryan Jones, called up into the Wales squad. With the injury situation easing (or at least not getting any worse) it was a pretty settled side that travelled to Highfield Road. But, with depressing predictability, the Owls fell completely flat in a first half that was one of their worst 45 minute spells of the season. Pressman was the busier of the two keepers (former Hillsborough scorer Steve Ogrizovic being the other) and it was no real surprise when the Sky Blues went in front on 26 minutes. However, there was more than an air of controversy about it as Roland Nilsson's offending tackle on Peter Ndlovu looked distinctly outside the area. The referee was convinced though, and Ndlovu confidently slotted the spot kick into the bottom corner. Just before half time Pressman made a magnificent save, tipping Sean Flynn's header onto the bar. And just after the interval, Flynn was again denied as Pressman saved at his feet. This gave the Owls the opportunity to grab an equaliser and it was an excellent goal. A free kick from 25 yards was teed up for Jones, and he curled the ball beautifully into the top corner. Unfortunately, it was hard for the watching public on Match of the Day to appreciate that evening as the goal was missed by the official cameraman going off for a piss...er, sorry, I mean 'technical issues'. What had been a pretty poor game improved towards the end with Pressman making a couple more good saves and John Sheridan going close with a shot that whistled just wide. In truth though, a point was probably the most Wednesday deserved in a bit of a disjointed performance. Once again the Owls had failed to down the frustrating Sky Blues - who for once were mid-table rather than struggling at the bottom - and that faint hope of Europe became that bit fainter. Final score : Coventry 1-1 Wednesday Coventry : Ogrizovic, Borrows, Morgan, Atherton, Babb, Darby, Jenkinson, Rennie, Boland, Flynn, Ndlovu. Unused subs : Pickering, Quinn, Gould Wednesday : Pressman, Nilsson (Coleman 89), Worthington, Pearce, Walker, Palmer, Jones, Sheridan, Hyde, Bart-Williams (Watson 53), Bright. Unused sub : Woods Attendance : 13,013

It’s common to have memorials in the place where tragic events took place, and also in a place where those who lost their lives were from. But having a memorial in Nottingham, sorry I’m not having that. I’m sure some of their fans were affected in a way but that doesn’t mean you put a memorial up. Almost feels a bit voyeuristic actually. There were plenty of people from Sheffield there as neutrals who were worse affected and whose stories have never really been told (like a fairly distant family member of mine who was policing on the Lepp and never got over it).

The butcher’s son in Corrie I think

Rebecca Welch has just done us a massive favour

Also interesting what he said about the old boys in the boardroom, presumably the old guard, sound like a lovely bunch. Sad thing is some would have them back over Chansiri.

Saturday 9 April 1994 FA Carling Premiership Queens Park Rangers (home) After a successful Easter period, the Owls looked to continue their recent upswing in form against a slightly troubled Queens Park Rangers side. The Rs had been the top placed London side in the country the previous season, finishing a creditable fifth, and were still operating in the top half of the table. But two heavy defeats prior to this game, and some boardroom shenanigans in the background, had put a bit of a different complexion on their season. On the benches it was a battle of the two Messrs Francis, with former Bristol Rovers - and future Spurs - boss Gerry lining up against our own Tricky Trev. The Rangers' boss was one of those men who found a hairstyle at some point in his 20s or 30s and thought 'right I'm sticking with that' as the spiky mullet he wore throughout his career still seems to be his preferred choice to this day. He had actually been touted for the England manager's job at around this time but lost out to Terry Venables. On the pitch Wednesday made one change to the team that had won the previous three matches, with Gordon Watson deservedly getting a place ahead of Michael Williams. The visitors lined up with some familiar names in their lineup, including Ian Holloway and 15-goal Les Ferdinand. Having scored five in their previous home game, Wednesday's confidence was up and it showed as they streaked into a three goal lead within half an hour. With just 7 minutes on the clock, Watson found a bit of space in the right edge of the penalty area. His cross-cum-shot took a deflection of a QPR defender and rolled invitingly across the 6-yard box for Mark Bright to finish neatly with his left foot. Before Wednesday added their second there was one scare as Ferdinand beat the Owls' offside trap only to skew his resulting effort nearer the corner flag than the goal, resulting in much merriment from the onlooking Kop. The second goal then duly arrived as Bright took down a high ball in the box and, as he prepared to shoot, was tugged back by Karl Ready. Despite the rather futile protestations of the away defenders it was a definite penalty (that's one of those things where you get a free shot from 12 yards out in case you've forgotten what they are) and was duly slotted home by the ever dependable John Sheridan.t Before long it was three as first Nigel Worthington put a defender on his backside with a stepover, his cross was collected by Carlton Palmer whose shot was only parried by Tony Roberts, leaving Bright the simple task of blasting in from close range for his 22nd of the season. 3-0 up and cruising at half time, expectations were high for another five goal blast at least but it wasn't to be as Wednesday understandably struggled to keep up the intensity in the second half and the game petered out. Bright had a volley saved by Roberts but the closest to a goal was a cracking effort from the edge of the area by Ryan Jones that crashed off the bar. True to form, the Owls conceded a late goal that was thankfully meaningless on this occasion as half-time substitute Devon White scored with a surprisingly deft finish (I say surprisingly as he was not usually the most subtle of footballers). Most worryingly Des Walker was stretchered off with 20 minutes to go with a suspected broken leg, yet another injury concern in a season littered with them. Thankfully though it just turned out to be heavy bruising. Despite the rather flat second half this was another impressive win for Wednesday and cemented them in 6th place. Four straight wins had even suddenly opened up an outside chance of Europe, although it would take some permutations of teams above them winning cups both domestic and European for that to happen. Final score : Wednesday 3-1 QPR Wednesday : Pressman, Nilsson, Worthington, Pearce, Walker (Coleman 71), Bart-Williams, Jones, Sheridan, Palmer, Watson, Bright. Unused subs : Jemson, Woods QPR : Roberts, Bardsley, Wilson, Ready, Yates, Impey, Meaker (White 45), Holloway, Barker, Allen, Ferdinand. Unused subs : Wilkins, Stejskal Attendance : 22,437

Yes and also we had won more games at Loftus Road than Hillsborough before lockdown. That was Clint Hill on Sougou I think?

I just can’t shake a bad feeling about today. QPR really have the bit between their teeth and we, er, don’t. Out recent record at Loftus Road is a bit mixed, two wins there in 19-20 but three defeats around that with 11 conceded.

It’s very telling that the only away games in which we have got points are when we haven’t conceded. There is a very fragile mentality there that is very difficult to sort out. I think DR’s ability to make us competitive in most games does him credit. He is a young coach in his first job and makes mistakes but he will improve, hopefully with us for a while at least.

Monday 4 April 1994 FA Carling Premiership Swindon Town (away) Wednesday's hectic Easter schedule continued with an Easter Monday game just two days after the convincing win over Everton (imagine Klopp's reaction to that). It was a trek down to deepest, darkest Wiltshire for a game against strugglers Swindon. The hosts had found their rise to the top flight predictably tough and were languishing at the foot of the table, with their defence a particular problem. They had shown some spirit though, not least in a 3-3 draw at Hillsborough over the Christmas period. The game kicked off at a rather inconvenient 8pm as it had been selected by Sky, presumably the story being Swindon's relatively faint hopes of staying up, as there was certainly not much to excite the neutral viewer in terms of the Owls' finish to the season. The Robins were definitely starting to enter the last chance saloon, and this would have seen as a must-win game for them. Wednesday had the unusual luxury of naming the same side for the third game running, although whether this was a good idea with 3 games in 5 days remained to be seen. The hosts, for their part, had brought in experienced players such as Brian Kilcline (still probably near the top of the hirsute footballers league) and Lawrie Sanchez to try and stay up. Swindon started on the front foot and were clearly going for it early on. Kilcline, Sanchez and Luc Nijholt were all denied by Kevin Pressman, the last one a particularly good save. The Owls were struggling to get a foothold in the game, with the desperation of the hosts and perhaps an element of tiredness creeping in. But, as the half went on, Wednesday did manage to start playing some football, with their best chance being a fierce drive from Chris Bart-Williams that clipped the bar. The half ended goalless with a sense that Swindon may have missed their best opportunity to seize control of the game. This proved to be the case as proceedings swung towards Wednesday in the second half. Midway through the half John Sheridan sent a pass through to substitute Gordon Watson, the ensuing collision with home goalkeeper Nicky Hammond resulted in the latter having to leave the field and be replaced by future Owls loanee Paul Heald. Swindon missed a great chance to go in front when Jan Aage Fjortoft headed over, and in the next phase of play the Owls took the lead. A deep cross from Nigel Worthington was headed back towards goal by Mark Bright and, with the ball looking to head just wide, Watson nipped in to stab the ball over the line for his 11th of the season. It was a good return for the often reserve striker in comparison to his minutes on the field over the course of the season. The hosts huffed and puffed but the goal had clearly knocked them and Wednesday were to see the game out without too much difficulty. It was far from a swashbuckling performance by the Owls, more of a solid and steady away performance. It capped an impressive Easter period with three wins and nine goals scored and lifted Wednesday to 6th in the table. For the hosts, it was a damaging defeat that left them 11 points from safety with just 5 games left and staring down the barrel. Final score : Swindon 0-1 Wednesday Swindon : Hammond (Heald 67), Whitbread (Horlock 43), Bodin, Kilcline, Taylor, Summerbee, Moncur, Nijholt, Sanchez, Fjortoft. Unused sub : McAvennie Wednesday : Pressman, Nilsson, Worthington, Pearce, Walker, Williams (Watson 56), Jones, Sheridan, Palmer, Bart-Williams, Bright (Coleman 83). Unused sub : Woods Attendance : 13,727

Let’s not forget Leicester fucked us over for George Hirst too. As for FFP, in the PL the limit of losses should be based on Champions League revenues, in the Championship it should be based on parachute payments. Anything else just entrenches a lack of fair competition.

Saturday 2 April 1994 FA Carling Premiership Everton (home) Having shaken off a winless run of 8 games with a midweek victory over Chelsea, the Owls faced old foes Everton at Hillsborough. The Toffees had been a real bogey side in the 80s but, since returning to the top flight in 1991, Wednesday had had the better of it against the Merseysiders, and had been comfortable 2-0 victors in the reverse fixture on Boxing Day. The visitors were on a poor run and looking nervously over their shoulders, just four points above the relegation zone and with a real danger of going down. Manager MIke Walker had been appointed from Norwich in January but had not settled well at Goodison, with his first big signing Brett Angell (who had scored prolifically for Southend) not exactly hitting the heights either. To make matters worse, they were saddled with a distinctly dodgy away kit of 'salmon and navy stripes', not particularly de rigeur back in those days. Wednesday were unchanged from the Chelsea win and were at it from the off, scoring after just 11 minutes, Ryan Jones ending a bit of penalty area pinball with a drilled low shot past Neville Southall's left hand and into the bottom corner. This was clearly the last thing Everton needed and their lack of confidence was pounced on by a resurgent Owls side. Carlton Palmer had a powerful effort brilliantly saved by Southall and Mark Bright's volley was cleared off the line by Graham Stuart. As the half drew to a close Angell fluffed a chance for an equaliser for the visitors, and Wednesday took full advantage. Chris Bart-Williams gathered a high ball, twisted and turned and struck a low shot into the near post with Southall completely deceived. It wasn't a great moment for the Everton stopper and his frustration was beginning to show. The start of the second half saw a quieter period in the game, but it came to life again with four goals in the last 15 minutes. First Wednesday added a third as Nigel Worthington scored his first of the season with an angled drive, again Southall should have done better as he tried to save with his foot. Everton then scored straight from the restart as half-time substitute Tony Cottee scored from close range. This didn't spur Everton on though, and it was the Owls who were to continue to dominate. Into the last ten minutes, Bart-Williams found space on the right and found Bright in the box to turn and volley a fourth. With 3 minutes to go Bart-Williams again tormented the Toffees' defence down the right, this time hitting a high cross that eluded Southall and gave Bright the simple task of heading into the empty net for his 20th goal of the season. Eight goals in two games had seen Wednesday rise to third highest scorers in the division, and ended any lingering fears of a late season collapse. Sadly, qualification for Europe was out of reach so it was a case of trying to finish the season on a high. For Everton the dark clouds were gathering, but they were to pull off a famous escape on the last day of the season against Wimbledon. Final score : Wednesday 5-1 Everton Wednesday : Pressman, Nilsson, Worthington, Pearce, Walker, Williams (Watson 74), Jones, Palmer, Sheridan (King 64), Bart-Williams, Bright. Unused sub : Woods Everton : Southall, Jackson, Unsworth, Snodin, Watson, Moore (Cottee 45), Stuart, Limpar, Horne, Ebbrell, Angell (Rowett 79). Unused sub : Kearton. Attendance : 24,096

I decided to venture to Cheltenham v Exeter yesterday. They are in a similar position to us : terrible start, positive manager change, improvement but just can’t get out of the relegation zone. And they can’t buy a penalty either. As for us, well it’s been a disappointing Easter to say the least, I think we were hoping for 4 points, maybe 3, but one point doesn’t feel like enough at this stage. The QPR game is massive now, we have to get something from it but I fear our fragility in away games is going to hit again as they will be on the front foot with a good crowd, I think we might crumble. But a win could see us out of the relegation zone of course. If we do go down, DC has to pull out the stops to get DR to stay but I wonder if he might have to trim the back room team a bit.

Wednesday 30 March 1994  FA Carling Premiership Chelsea (home) After a run of eight games without a win, including exits from both cups, Wednesday's season had taken a definite turn for the worse over the previous few weeks. The first game of that run saw a defeat to Chelsea in an FA Cup replay, and it was the West Londoners making another visit to Hillsborough. This was not the petro-rouble fueled Chelsea that was to follow around a decade later. This version was a more run-of-the-mill Premiership outfit, neither one thing nor the other and sat in the bottom of the table. In truth, their overall standing in the English game at this point was probably no higher than that of Wednesday's. The recent form had seen the Owls slip back to 10th in the table, so hopes of a European place were also pretty much dead, so it was really just pride to play for over the rest of the season. In particular it was important to get some impressive performances going in front of the home fans. Wednesday were hit with yet more injury news before the game as Andy Sinton was ruled out with a foot fracture. There was better news, however, with Nigel Worthington and Ryan Jones able to return to the starting line up. Andy Pearce was also back in defence, John Sheridan continued his recovery in midfield and there was a bit of a surprise with Michael Williams coming in on the wing. The changes seemed to have the desired effect as the Owls came out of the traps with some energy and took the game to their opponents. It took just six minutes to take the lead as Jones's free kick was only parried by Dimitri Kharine and, in the ensuing passage of play, Carlton Palmer crossed for Chris Bart-Williams to slot home. Wednesday were the better side but had to survive a scare when a back-heel from the visitors' player-manager Glenn Hoddle led to Darren Barnard striking the outside of the post. But the lead was doubled after 27 minutes : Sheridan was the architect as he tricked his way past Hoddle and set up Palmer to burst through and lash into the net. It was no less than Wednesday deserved and a breath of fresh air after recent performances. There were further chances for Jones and Sheridan as the half drew to a close and Chelsea were reeling. In typical Wednesday fashion, they managed to make it a bit more difficult than it should have been as, midway through the second half, the visitors pulled one back as Craig Burley crossed for John Spencer to head home at the near post. Thankfully an equaliser never came and the game was wrapped up with five minutes to go. Frank Sinclair needlessly shoved Mark Bright under a high ball, allowing Sheridan to slot home a penalty in front of the Kop in typically cool fashion. It was a good performance and result, and a positive way to end a bad run of results, and good to get a few players back from injury. There was a hectic Easter period to come with games against both Everton and Swindon to come within 5 days as the Owls hoped to kick-start the run-in. Final score : Wednesday 3-1 Chelsea Wednesday : Pressman, Nilsson, Worthington, Pearce, Walker, Williams (Watson), Jones, Sheridan, Palmer, Bart-Williams (Hyde), Bright. Unused sub : Woods Chelsea : Kharine, Clarke, Barnard, Kjeldbjerg, Sinclair, Donaghy, Burley, Peacock, Hoddle (Hopkin), Wise, Spencer. Unused subs : Duberry, Hitchcock Attendance : 20,433

For me it was really noticeable yesterday that we lacked ball retention with both Poveda and Bannan out. (And we all struggle when we can’t retain our balls don’t we). it was no surprise that we got some attacking impetus when Bannan came on. Gassama also made a difference, I don’t understand why Musaba starts ahead of him. The latter gives the ball away far too much for me. Strange how often it happens that one minute you are an inch away from 2-0, the next it’s 1-1. I think 9 times out of 10 it’s a handball but think the ref was OK generally, not the worst we’ve had but it wasn’t a difficult game for him really. I think most of us had yesterday down as 3 points when looking at where we might end up so it does feel like a step back. But, as my mate said, this is Wednesday so we will probably go and win on Monday. 7 games to go and only in the relegation zone on goal difference, how can that be anywhere near all over.

Lost to a last minute goal but a good 80 minute runout. Should be back walking by about the middle of April.

I’m playing today, still getting round the pitch in vets football. Anyone else still not hung their boots up yet?

Just moved some costs in the P&L. Think the allocation of deferred income has changed (or been messed up), hence the big increase in accruals but reduction in other creditors. These accounts show in stark fashion that parachute payments allow poorly run, gambling with money clubs to cover up their financial problems.

Sunday 20 March 1994 FA Carling Premiership Blackburn Rovers (home) Following the midweek mauling at Old Trafford, the Owls faced second-placed Blackburn at a bad time, with injuries and a poor run of form both indicating a likely away win. The Sky cameras had finally found their way to S6 for the first time this season but with the spotlight, as usual, seemingly more on the opposition. With the news that Nigel Pearson and David Hirst were out for the season, Wednesday were in desperate need of reinforcements and were grateful to welcome Carlton Palmer back to the starting lineup and go back to two up front with the reintroduction of Gordon Watson. More surprisingly, after months out, John Sheridan was also able to return to the midfield. Unsurprisingly Julian Watts and Adem Poric were relegated back to the reserves, and Phil King dropped to the bench. Thankfully Roland Nilsson was passed fit after being forced off in the week by an aggressive Cantona challenge, although it seemed he probably was still carrying a knock. Blackburn were still in with a shot of the title, albeit seven points behind, and with the pairing of Alan Shearer and Mike Newell scoring plenty of goals, it was easy to see another poor Wednesday performance. Although possession had been fairly even in the early stages, it was Rovers who took the lead after 19 minutes. Stuart Ripley (a future Owls loanee of course) beat Simon Coleman down the right and squared for Jason Wilcox to slot home. Blackburn had a couple of other good chances, with Shearer being denied by the offside flag and WIlcox's deflected effort being tipped over by Kevin Pressman. Wednesday kept plugging away though and levelled three minutes before the break. Andy Sinton's corner found Coleman and his header was nudged in by Watson. It looked like it might have been a Chris Bart-Williams goal with a touch a couple of yards out, but it turned out that there was no touch there after all. The visitors pressed in the second half with the Owls visibly tiring, perhaps no surprise with the various injuries. Pressman saved well from David Batty (a poor man's Carlton I always thought), Wilcox missed when it looked easier to score and Nilsson cleared from almost on the line. As the game approached the closing stages, sub Nigel Jemson could have twice won it : firstly as his header was cleared off the line and then another header looping off the top of the bar. The game then swung the other way as David May, of all people, rattled the post with a powerful shot. And then in the 90th minute the inevitable happened as once again Wednesday fell to their habit of conceding late goals, Newell stooping to head home from close range after Pressman parried a shot. It was a good result for Rovers, and an important one as they tried to keep pace with Man United. For Wednesday, it was a 6th defeat in a winless run of 8 games, as the season really started to peter out. The promise of some players returning from injuries was a least a crumb of comfort and some promise for a better run-in. Final score : Wednesday 1-2 Blackburn Wednesday : Pressman, Nilsson, Coleman, Palmer, Walker, Bart-Williams, Hyde, Sheridan (King 76), Watson (Jemson 55), Bright. Unused sub : Woods Blackburn : Flowers, Berg, Le Saux, May, Hendry, Ripley, Wilcox, Batty, Sherwood, Shearer, Newell. Unused subs : Marker, Warhurst, Mimms

Last paragraph I think tallies with what I tried to tell Jake and Baza on the other thread (although they seemed to ignore most of my posts). They need to stop complaining about things like the badge, the name on the seats, the toilet roll in the North Stand bogs being too scratchy, and focus on that. You could argue the lack of senior people around DC has been the root cause of his problems, including the ground sale.