Sheffield Wednesday: Squad unity key to Owls success

Sheffield Wednesday possess all the ingredients required to thrive in the Championship.

That’s the verdict of on loan defender Michael Turner ahead of tonight’s clash at MK Dons.

The 32-year-old says there is a strong bond between the players, stating that togetherness as one of the main reasons why they sit eighth in the table, one point shy of the Championship’s play-off position, after 20 matches.

“There is a great camaraderie between the players,” he said. “Everyone seems to get on very well and we have a big squad.

“Even the players who are not featuring and on the sidelines are still willing the lads to do well and that’s important. I think that shows in games how the lads are all together. It is very special to be part of that.”

Throughout the ups and downs, boss Carlos Carvalhal has managed to maintain a strong bond between the players, according to Turner.

He said: “That is key for a coach to keep those not involved interested and want them to prove themselves to get in the team and to keep the shirt.

“We have got a big squad so everyone knows the situation and that they have to play well to maintain their place.”

Turner is looking forward to the hectic Christmas schedule and is convinced the Owls have the quality to figure in the promotion shake-up come next May.

“It’s a busy period so it’s important we have got as many player as possible available,” he said. “The games are coming thick and fast so the squad will be utilised. It’s important that we get to January and are right in the mix.

“We have been on a great run and only lost one of our last 14 league games.

“We just need to turn a few draws into wins which will kick us on a little bit more and I’m confident with the squad that we can do that.

“We just need to carry on what we are doing, win games and keep the momentum going.

“We have got every chance with the way that we are playing and conducted ourselves of getting into the top six. We have got talented players all the way through the squad and I am confident we can achieve that.”

However, Turner accepts Wednesday have under-performed against sides in the upper echelons of the division. The Owls have picked up a paltry four points out of a possible 21 on offer versus the top-seven teams.