Louis Paul Shackshaft - Author, Football Writer & Podcaster
  • About
  • My Book
  • Articles
  • Podcasts
  • My 'Clean Sheet' Blog
  • Interviews
  • Sheffield Wednesday Stats
  • Football Blogging Awards
  • YouTube
  • Wakelet
  • Contact

Owls fans remain in the dark as they continue to pay ‘promotion pushing’ prices

5/11/2018

0 Comments

 
Once again it seems the ‘politics’ off the field have sparked a debate amongst the fan base, many Wednesdayites want the same or similar questions answered regarding a handful of talented players who remain omitted from the starting eleven.
Picture
Luhukay continues to firmly deny there has been any disagreement between himself and the numerous players in question and I’m sure he will continue to do so.

I guess I have no other option but to believe him until it is otherwise suggested. Let’s face it, he wouldn’t publicly announce disturbances within the dressing room anyway, would he?

The Owls current form and league position certainly isn’t helping matters either, especially after four defeats on the bounce.

Anyway, whilst I’m a firm believer that a large portion of key business decisions do remain behind closed doors, it isn’t the ‘injury troubles’, ‘conspiracy theories’ or ‘lack of public knowledge’ that concerns me most. There are bigger fish to fry.

Let’s take a step back for a moment and consider the new regime under Jos. We are all in agreement that Luhukay has a policy of promoting youth and driving down the average age of the first team. It’s an admirable move and one that has my full backing as long as these players are worthy of a starting place ahead of others, remember, Jos claims these players are. Fair enough. It’s not for us to know otherwise or implement change, that’s his job.

Obviously, the business structure and framework off the field has to be consistent before the long-term results and league position begin to improve. I see issues with both, as do you, I’m sure.

At the present moment the club seems to be a long way off being able to compete week-in-week-out, or in other words, challenge for a top-six-spot. If we are all honest with ourselves a mid-table finish was a realistic aim this term before a ball was even kicked. Our current league position should come as no surprise.

Most of the above can be pinpointed as part of the transition since the arrival of Luhukay and once again, I have no problem with this. However, here comes by biggest concern.

Only a few years ago Chansiri sold us a business model that aimed for success but came at a cost, by this I mean inflated ticket prices, merchandise (including replica shirts) etc. of which the fans apprehensively bought into but agreed the reward would be much greater if and when the Owls were promoted to the Premier League. Right?

You could argue that this model worked to a certain extent in Carlos Carvalhal’s first two seasons in charge that took us to two successive playoffs. However, during this time, there was huge naivety by Chansiri not to sell ANY players, consequently finding themselves under financial fair play regulations in April.

As a result, it is now the fans who are now suffering both emotionally and financially, paying top dollar to watch bang average football at best.

Whilst the fans continue to put their hands in their pockets and with ‘experienced’ names missing from the first-team setup, surely now is the time for Chansiri to come clean and state his alterations or new intentions to the business model.

Hope is diminishing fast amongst the Wednesday faithful. To make matters worse there is still the possibility of financial sanctions and punishment at the end of this season if the Owls fail to gain promotion. How long can this business model be sustainable?

It is with huge regret that I understand many Wednesdayites have already lost belief in the current regime. I have the deepest respect for Dejphon Chansiri and his aspirations despite finding himself on the trial and error merry-go-round once again.

Unfortunately, in other circumstances previously it has been proven that guesswork on the clubs future will be a re-occurring theme until a statement is issued by the Chairman either on the clubs website or at the next supporters steering group meeting.

Until then, us Owls will remain in the dark.
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Follow @LouisShackshaft

    Author

    Louis Shackshaft - Clean Sheet Blog

    Categories

    All


    Follow @LouisShackshaft

    RSS Feed

About

​Blog

Articles

Podcasts

Contact

www.louisshackshaft.com
Copyright © 2018
louisshackshaft@hotmail.com