Sheffield Wednesday travel to Birmingham City tomorrow, with both teams wounded yet determined to end their winless droughts.
To say it has been a disappointing start for the Owls is an understatement, having gleaned just one win in 16 league games since the season began and fans openly revolting against owner Dejphon Chansiri.
But manager Danny Röhl is hoping the international break has offered his side a chance to recuperate and recalibrate.
At yesterday’s press conference, he said: “I didn’t see it as a break – it was hard work for us.
“It’s a long way to go, we know this, and now it’s about getting closer to the line and starting to take points.”
The hiatus has allowed Wednesday’s squad to be given a clean bill of health, with all injured players now back in training.
It has also provided time to appoint a new goalkeeping coach, Salvatore ‘Sal’ Bibbo, whose impressive track record includes five years developing Arsenal’s shot-stoppers Petr Cech, Bernd Leno and Emi Martinez.
Speaking to swfc.co.uk, Bibbo said: “I’m ready for the challenge ahead, I can see the energy here and I want to be part of a real positive future for the football club.”
It will be tough for the good news to placate fans, however, who remain seething with the behaviour of club owner Chansiri.
The son of a Thai tuna tycoon, Chansiri’s actions have begun a civil war within the club, leading him to publish a lengthy tirade attacking fans and demanding they now fund Wednesday themselves.
In response, the 1867 Group of Owls fans launched a petition demanding Chansiri sell the club, which reached 2000 signatures earlier this week.
The 1867 Group posted: “Under [Chansiri’s] tenure, we have witnessed a series of poor decisions, mismanagement and controversies, which have brought us to the brink of financial ruin. We are staring relegation in the face yet again.”
Birmingham City are facing their own turmoil, with Wayne Rooney yet to bag a win after he controversially took over as manager six weeks ago.
Since his appointment, the Blues have dropped from 5th in the Championship table to 18th.
The two troubled teams will both be desperate to take the three points to strengthen their hand and give their restless fans a reason to cheer.
Kick-off is at 3pm tomorrow at St Andrew’s Stadium.
