Season Preview 2012/13: Sheffield Wednesday

The last of the promoted sides come under the microscope today in Sheffield Wednesday

PROMOTED BACK to the Championship last season as runners-up to Charlton Athletic, Sheffield Wednesday have been busy in the transfer window again this summer, adding to the squad in order to retain their Championship status after a year away.

It was a short stay in the third-tier for Dave Jones` side who were only relegated in 2011 after what was virtually a relegation play-off against Crystal Palace at Hillsborough.

A number of experienced pro`s have been moved in, including Clinton Morrison, Jon Otsemobor, Rob Jones and Chris Sedgewick. Coming in have been a collection of more youthful players as well as experienced heads in Anthony Gardner and Chris Kirkland.

Strengths: Lots of Championship experience.

This is a squad in which the majority of the players have played in the Championship. Compared to fellow promoted sides Charlton and Huddersfield, in particular, there are a large number of Championship-experienced players. Over the course of the season that will stand the Owls in good stead.

Weakness`: A lot of changes, this is a virtually brand-new squad with a number being moved on and a number of players arriving too. Whilst the addition of quality was needed, it always slows down the process of a side gelling.

Best business so far: The signing of former Liverpool and Wigan Athletic stopper, Chris Kirkland.

Just 31 years old, the 6`3 stopper has seen his career stalled time and time again by serious injury.

After leaving the Latics on a free transfer at the end of the season, the one-cap England international elected to drop down a division and sign for the Yorkshire outfit on a free.

Star man: Former Reading winger, Michael Antonio.

The 22 year-old spent part of last season on-loan with Jones` side, making 14 appearances and scoring five goals. Antonio has also enjoyed loan spells away from the Madjeski Stadium with Tooting & Mitcham, Cheltenham, Southampton and Colchester having made his name with Tooting & Mitcham where he scored 33 goals in 45 appearances.

In: Chris Kirkland (Wigan Athletic) free, Kieran Lee (Oldham Athletic) free, Joe Mattock (West Brom) free, Anthony Gardner (Crystal Palace) free, Chris Maguire (Derby County) undisc, Diogo Amadao (Uniao Leiria) free, Nejc Pecnik (Nacional) free, Rhys McCabe (Rangers) free & Michail Antonio (Reading) undisc.

Out: Scott Canham, Sean Cuff, Clinton Morrison, Richard O`Donnell, Vadaine Oliver, Jon Otsemobor, Tom Rowbotham, Chris Sedgwick, Matthew Tumilty, Lee Wall, Rob Jones (all released) & Ryan Lowe (MK Dons) undisc.

Prediction:

wfc123: Very busy as mentioned, but should have enough to survive.

chrisgwfc: Have been very busy in the transfer market bringing in seven players already and they will all add slowly to the overall team picture. I expect them to stay up but finish in the bottom half.