Our regular Sheff Wed man Jon Hore didn’t mind when we told him we’d booked him on an 8am train for this one. Or, at least, not enough to not give us his usual input on the Owls.

A disappointing performance in the play-off final having done so well all season, was it a case of it maybe coming a season too soon for Wednesday?

JH: Definitely, you only have to look at the final to realise we were a long way from being ready for the top league. Hull were a team full of players who'd been relegated the previous year but they absolutely dominated that day and we were never really in the game. We started the season with no expectations of promotion so to go all the way to the final was a very enjoyable journey. It does feel like a big missed opportunity though because it's so hard to get out of this league and it's even stronger this year, so to get to Wembley and then not show up was a massive disappointment.

What business was done over the summer to try and get you over the line this season?

JH: On paper we made some great Championship signings in Almen Abdi and David Jones both of whom have experience of promotion from this league. I was excited about the Abdi signing because he arrived with massive praise from the Watford fans but it's not quite happened for him so far (Sounds familiar — ed). Jones hasn't made many appearances up to now but is starting to look like he'll play an important role sitting in front of the back four, especially in away games. We also signed Adam Reach from Boro for a club record fee and his versatility gives us good options. Our best signing though has to be Steven Fletcher. I think I said on LFW last season that we were missing a mobile target man who'll also chip in with goals and he's been an incredible signing on a free. A very rich man's Nuhiu.

Forestieri refusing to play and demanding a move to Derby wasn’t an ideal start to the season, what happened there and has it settled down since or is he off in Jan?

JH: The story of what happened hasn't officially come out but it looks like he got face on at a few of the other senior players getting new deals, decided he wouldn't mind a few more quid himself and with a bit of encouragement from his agent decided that refusing to play was the best way to get it. When the manager and chairman made it clear they weren't going to put up with any of his nonsense, he was forced to do a complete 360 and come out with a couple of grovelling public apologies about how it was never about money etc etc things and stuff. The club handled the situation superbly to make sure it didn't drag on, and in such a way that he was able to come back without too much disruption. FF came out of it all looking like a bit of a dick but he's got his head down since and looked back to his best against Huddersfield last weekend.

Assess your start to the season for us…

JH: It's been very inconsistent. We've conceded some really sloppy, avoidable goals and Tom Lees and Kieran Westwood in particular have had below par starts to the season. The Forestieri situation was an unwelcome distraction, and it just feels like we've made hard work of it so far. That said, we have shown a great knack of coming from behind to win, and the Bristol City game where we came back from two down at half time to win in the last minute was one of the best games at Hillsborough in years. Carvalhal has struggled to integrate all our midfield talent into his preferred 4-4-2 system, but we’re four points better off than we were after 12 games last season and my gut feeling is we will get more consistent from here so I think we should be reasonably happy with the start.

And are you confident that promotion can be achieved this season? What happens — money and manager wise — if it’s not?

JH: I'm confident we can make the top six but can't see us being that close to the automatic spots - Norwich and Newcastle are looking like they'll be too strong for everyone else. If we don't go up what happens manager wise will probably be dictated by how badly we fail. If it's another play-off defeat then CC might get another season as he's really endeared himself to the players and fans, but not making the top six would have to be seen as failure given the money we've spent and if that happens I can't see him being around next season. Money wise I can't see there being loads available next summer if we don't make it; there's been murmurs we are treading a fine line with FFP but shifting some of the deadwood from our bloated squad will help.

Strongest and weakest links in the side?

JH: I come on here and wank over him every year but Kieran Lee just keeps getting better and has been the player of the season by a mile. His engine is unbelievable and he's the heartbeat of the team. Fletcher has also been impressive and shown why he's spent most of his career at the top level. Our weakest links are our full backs, especially on the right - Jack Hunt is vulnerable defensively and although I think Liam Palmer has had a better season he's not the long term answer. Daniel Pudil is a solid left back but I think it's definitely an area that needs to be improved if we are going to take the next step.

The Twitter @j_ho9, @loftforwords

Pictures — Action Images

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TacticalR added 23:22 - Oct 21 Thanks to Jon. It sounds like Wednesday are quite settled and have got a clear idea of what they are trying to achieve.
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