Former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder on what Garry Monk must make his first priority this season
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One win in their last 13 home games, six goals scored in that time and 24 conceded. Of the 36 points made available to them at Hillsborough since Christmas, Sheffield Wednesday have secured just six.
It’s a reality that Garry Monk’s men have to shake – and fast – as they look to break past the 12-point barrier and get onto an even keel as soon as possible.
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Hide AdThat’s according to former Owls midfielder and Sky Sports pundit David Prutton, who speaking to The Star made clear he believes that making Hillsborough a fortress once more should be the club’s number one priority heading into a new season.
A new-look squad will have to embrace the pressure of playing at such an iconic stadium, he said, which others have failed to do in the past.
“They've got to pull their fingers out when playing at home,” he said. “It's a wonderful place to play football, it's steeped in tradition. Having been there when it's been bouncing, when it's been rocking, when it's been a place that creates a communion between fans and players, it's a wonderful place to be.
“The other side of it, though, is that it can get to a certain type of player and there are players who can't deal with that. Garry is going to have to find that out very, very quickly.”
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Hide AdPrutton believes the fact that the Owls will start the season without their loyal but expectant fans in the stadium can be turned into a positive.
“Even without them in the ground we’ve seen Wednesday struggle,” he said.
“That’s the first thing, for me, that when the football comes around they can take care of and focus on first of all. They had a good spell at Hillsborough when Garry first came in, I don’t see why they can’t look at this break and start that again.
“If they get on that roll then they get those Wednesday fans back in the ground and behind them, well, you’re laughing.”