Once again Ty Jenner has been out and about engaging with oppo fans to give us the views of Wednesday fan Alexandra O’Neil ahead of one of the biggest games of the season, in what will be a big test for our rookie team.
- With the season kicking off last weekend, what do you think are the expectations for Sheffield Wednesday in regard to position in the league?
“I think nearly everyone I’ve seen has us going up as Champions, including all the betting companies. I’m usually a bit of a pessimist but it really would be a failure if we didn’t get up this year, so I’m going to be an optimist and say 2nd.”
- Are you happy with your club’s activity and business in the transfer market?
“Incredibly so. We cleared out a lot of players at the end of the season so I was concerned about the replacements, but I can’t complain at all so far. We’ve brought in a mixture of youth and experience, including a defender who was in team of the year, a midfielder who couldn’t look out of place in the Championship (Vaulks) and are still being linked with players such as Malik Wilks.”
- How do you think the Owls will approach the game? Will it differ from our previous clashes from last season? (Style of Play/Sit back/press etc)
“I’m hoping it’s very similar to last season at Stadium MK for obvious reasons! I think it all depends on whether Moore sticks with his favoured 3 CB’s and 2 wing backs, or whether he decides to change it up with the signings he’s made. We played a lot more attacking, fluent football towards the end of the season, after being caged in a lot by some teams at the beginning. I’m hoping that continues.”
- Which Wednesday player do you think the Dons should watch out for in the game?
“The obvious answer is Barry Bannan. On his day he’s completely unplayable, and I’m sure one of the main talking points will be the goal of the season he scored at Stadium MK last season. However, I’m hoping Josh Windass will be fit for a lot of this season. He was linked with a move abroad in the summer but has stuck with us, and I’m hopeful he will have a big impact.”
- Realistically, where do you think the Dons will finish this season, considering the departures of Twine and Darling, as well as the arrivals?
“They’re both big losses, but I think the business done has also been good. Barry and Bradley Johnson are big signings who will be expected to perform, but I think if they can get Will Grigg firing, they’ll be in for a good season. Play offs at a minimum.”
- Sheffield Wednesday are expected to bring around 6,000 fans down to Stadium MK this weekend. Do you think the Wednesday faithful can influence the game and the result in Milton Keynes?
“That all depends on how the game starts! Unpopular opinion, but sometimes a large crowd can deaden the atmosphere and place too much pressure on a team. This wasn’t the case last season though, and I thought the crowd we brought to MK (especially for it being a 7.45pm on Sky) really spurred them on. Hopefully they all get behind the team.”
- Many people have varied opinions on Stadium MK – have you been, and if so, what are your thoughts on the ground?
“I’ve been a couple of times. I really like the layout of it, and the fact you can see the pitch from the concourse. It’s just a shame it’s in the middle of nowhere!”
- Which game are you looking forward to the most this season in the League?
“I should say Barnsley with them being the most local, but I think our clashes with Derby should be interesting. I’ve been to their ground 9 times and never seen us win, so I’m hoping this year is our year.”
- Who do you think will be going up this season, and who do you think will be going down?
“I must admit I haven’t been paying too much attention to signings. I think Ipswich will do well this year, and I must support my team and say Wednesday. I think Shrewsbury will be a shock play-off team, with MK and Bolton also doing well. Derby have made some good signings, but it wouldn’t surprise me if they do what we did last season and get a bit of a league one shock. With regards to relegation, I think a few of the promoted sides may struggle, such as Port Vale. I think Accrington will find Bishop a big miss too.”
- If you could have any current Dons player, who would it be and why?
“I was jealous when I saw the Louie Barry loan announced, so probably him. I think there’s a lot of potential there, and we sometimes miss players who play with that freedom.”
- Who or what made you support Sheffield Wednesday?
“My Dad, I was driven past Hillsborough on the way home from hospital when I was born, and that was that. His dad supported Wednesday, and his dad’s dad supported Wednesday. I’ve had a season ticket since 2003 and I just fell in love.”
- Thank you for participating in our Trash Talk, it really helps us to understand and see the perspective of opposition fans. So finally, the most important question of all is what is your score prediction?
“I’m going to sit on the fence and say 1-1. Two teams who are expecting big things from the season, I think it may be quite a nervy affair.”
