Ron Atkinson assesses Sheffield Wednesday’s promotion chances

Follow us on Google Discover

Atkinson was manager of Sheffield Wednesday on two occasions.

Former Sheffield Wednesday manager Ron Atkinson has given his verdict on the Owls’ promotion chances.

Carlos Carvalhal’s side currently sit 11th in the Championship, but are only three points off the play-off places.

At the same stage last season, in which they finished fourth, Wednesday were only a place and a point better off than they are now – and a place worse off than they were the previous campaign, which ended in a sixth-place finish.

Carvalhal insists that despite their perceived poor start – exacerbated, perhaps, by Sheffield United’s unexpected success – the Owls will make it third time lucky this time around.

And speaking to Sheffield Live TV, Atkinson agreed that things will pick up for his old side.

“I still think they might be in the frame,” said the 78-year-old. “They’ve had two near misses over the last two years, and I think those sort of things would stand them in good stead.

“There is still a long way to go and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them sneak in.”

Atkinson was Wednesday’s manager the last time they won promotion to England’s top division, in 1991 – the year in which they also won the then-named Rumbelow’s Cup.

Aston Villa came calling later that year however, although Atkinson returned to Hillsborough for a brief spell in November 1997.

The Liverpudlian’s old player, John Sherdian, who scored Wednesday’s winner at Wembley, also backed the Owls for a top-six finish last week.

Speaking to Sheffield Live TV, the 53-year-old said: “I would fancy them to get in and around the play-offs, Sheffield Wednesday, definitely so. Likewise with Leeds, I fancy them (even though) they’re inconsistent.

“Sheffield United are going great at the moment so Yorkshire teams, I fancy at least two or possibly three of them hopefully to get in around the play-offs – possibly one going up automatic.”