The form of Sheffield Wednesday defender Liam Palmer under caretaker boss Neil Thompson justifies the club’s decision not to pursue a deal for free agent Jazz Richards.
The defence has often been seen as a problem area for the Owls.
Garry Monk started the campaign using a wingback system. It meant there wasn’t a natural left-back on the books while his successor Tony Pulis scrambled for options.
Since Neil Thompson took over as caretaker boss, the Owls have vastly improved and Palmer has been a decent performer whether covering on the left or in his natural right-back slot.
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Many expected the Owls to sign a defender in January, especially after Dominic Iorfa’s injury.
According to TEAMtalk at the end of October, Wednesday were looking at signing Jazz Richards on a free transfer after he left Cardiff City last summer.
Richards is a versatile defender who can operate on either flank or as a wingback.
Wednesday did make a free transfer signing in January, yet instead of going for Richards the Owls bolstered their attacking options with the arrival of Andre Green.
Ultimately, despite the blip at Millwall, the Owls’ defence of late hasn’t needed improving.
Wednesday have secured clean sheets in wins over Derby County, Preston North End and Wycombe Wanderers this year, while beating Bournemouth away was a real confidence-booster.
Palmer, featuring as a wingback against Preston, scored the winner that day while Kadeem Harris came in against Wycombe during the Scot’s absence from the XI with injury.
Wednesday will need to address their defensive situation this summer with the likes of Tom Lees out of contract, but in the meantime the Owls have enough to last the pace.
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