Chris Waddle has had his say on whether Sheffield Wednesday can reach the play-offs.
Sheffield Wednesday finished the 2023/24 campaign in 20th place, but have been tipped to enjoy a much improved season next time round.
The Owls have pinned Danny Rohl down to a new contract, while they have also made seven signings in James Beadle, Jamal Lowe, Max Lowe, Yan Valery, Svante Ingelsson, Olaf Kobacki and Ben Hamer.
Rohl has already made it clear that he is aiming for a top half finish, but he surely wouldn’t rule out the possibility of reaching the play-offs now either.
Waddle has given his prediction on Wednesday’s chances of a top six finish, admitting that their transfer business will be key in deciding how far they can go.
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Speaking to The Real EFL, the former midfielder said: “There’s a lot of talk of the playoffs in the area this year, and we’ll see who he signs.
“If he gets the right players, there’s no reason he can’t carry the form when they finish the end of the season.”
When asked if Wednesday were promotion contenders, he replied: “They’ve got United down this year. I’m not saying anybody yet.
“We’ve only got a small squad at the minute and the derby’s back on. Leeds is still down the road. There’s a lot of teams within a couple of hours of Hillsborough.
“It’s going to be a good season, a hard season, and let’s hope Wednesday are nowhere near the bottom; that’s what I’m looking at, nowhere near a relegation battle.
“If he’s allowed to get the four, five, six players he needs, he’ll not be far short of the playoffs.”
How many of their current signings can make a real difference?
Rohl has already welcomed seven new arrivals, but perhaps Waddle doesn’t believe they are seven players who can help push for promotion.
Beadle will be a key player in between the sticks, while Valery and Max Lowe also have Premier League experience.
Jamal Lowe’s goal contributions will be an important asset, though he is unlikely to be the player bagging double figures and sending them up the table.
Meanwhile, Hamer won’t be making the squad very often and very little is known about Kobacki and Ingelsson.
Wednesday definitely need another two or three players who can guide the team to victory – a proven striker, in particular.