Hatter Chatter - Sheffield Wednesday

In the first interview of the season (Leicester were unfortunately too busy to reply), we talk to Nicholas Rigg, the editor of Vital Sheffield Wednesday, about his hopes for the season, who to look out for, and what Sheffield Wednesday like to sing about.

How has pre-season gone (transfers etc) and your first game?

We went on a tour of USA during pre-season and it all seemed to go well. It was supposed to be a team bonding session but a few of the new players got injured and couldn't go! Apart from that it sounded like a good workout and we picked up some good results.

Back on home soil, however, we lost 4-0 to Mansfield and 2-1 to Middlesbrough. I'm never one to worry about pre-season results though.

Our first game went well, a draw away at PNE can never be seen as a bad result. We created lots of chances in the first half and seemed to have a perfectly good goal disallowed. Our squad is wafer thin at the moment, so to come away with a point - after having 10 men for the final half hour, is a good point.

What are your hopes for the season?

I think we can look no further than mid-table, but if we keep our squad fully fit then you never know. But it's a big if. Our team on paper is better than last season but our squad as a whole does look a bit thin. Anything avoiding a repeat of the relegation battle we had last season will be welcome!

What do you think the score will be?

At the moment I can't see anything other than a draw. I think Sturrock will be going for 4 points from our next two matches (both at home) and we're more likely to get a win against Burnley in my opinion. We've got a good defence but with only one fit striker we'll be relying a lot on set pieces, especially from Chris Brunt around the edge of the box.

Who should we look out for?

Chris Brunt. He's as lazy as anyone you've probably seen on a football pitch, but he has a lethal left foot than can cause damage from corners and free-kicks around the box. Also has a brilliant pass on him. He'll probably be our main threat on Tuesday whether he plays just behind the striker or on the left-wing.

What do you think of Luton as a team?

Well organised immediately springs to mind. We don't have a bad record against you, but most do seems to be draws. Rowan Vine impressed me greatly when he was last at Hillsborough - the sort of player we've been crying out for recently. I think you may well be pushing for the play-offs this time around but may just miss out with the quality that's in the Championship this season.

Who will you be looking out for from us?

Probably Rowan Vine. Played brilliantly against us at Hillsborough last time and scored if I remember rightly. I also like the look of Carlos Edwards, a player who was very close to signing for us before you snapped him up!

And lastly, what songs should we listen out for from your fans?

Probably not many. The club have decided to close off a number of blocks towards the away fans because of trouble last season. That's where all the atmosphere came from, and I'm not sure where it will come from now it's closed off! You can't fail to hear Hi Ho Silver Lining when we come out, and if we score.


Thanks to Nick for this, and best of luck tomorrow evening.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.