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With less than three weeks until the Championship season begins, Sheffield Wednesday couldn’t be in a worse position.
Amid the ongoing financial chaos this summer, Sheffield Wednesday fans have watched several of their first-team stars depart the club, including Djeidi Gassama, Michael Smith, Josh Windass, and Anthony Musaba.
The exits of Gassama and Windass were the most painful, as the duo scored 19 goals between them in the Championship last term.
Danny Rohl is also expected to leave Hillsborough after his return to training didn’t go down well with the player left at the club.
To add to their woes, no new signings have been made during the transfer window, and unfortunately, all of these problems have created a chaotic pre-season.
Sheffield Wednesday vs Mansfield will be played behind closed doors
There has been little to shout about for the Owls during the off-season. However, they did at least celebrate Sheffield Wednesday’s 3-0 victory over York City after their makeshift sides lost against Stocksbridge Park Steels and Lincoln United.
Fans were unable to watch those games as they were played behind closed doors, but they were hopeful of attending future friendlies.
Sheffield Wednesday host Mansfield Town on Saturday July 26, yet the club have announced on social media that the game will be played behind closed doors.
Supporters expressed their anger towards this news, with one fan writing: “Truly bizarre approach to the season, alienating your fans.”
“This is “Beyond Belief”. Totally mugging off every single fan. We deserve far more respect than this,” someone else agreed.
“Closed doors… Why? Is it because the north stand might fall down?” another questioned, as the North Stand at Hillsborough may not be safe enough ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
“Club is an absolute joke.. 13 players gone and not a word from you about the shambles that is going on. “ send some pictures out lads- that’ll keep em happy” Wrong,” one fan said, making their feelings known.
“Why behind closed doors Chansiri? What you scared of?” a sixth replied while a seventh put: “Chansiri is setting that squad of players up to fail he should be ashamed of himself, he’s a disgrace.”
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Fans are also concerned about Barry Bannan omission
The large majority directed their anger at the club and Dejphon Chansiri for playing a friendly behind closed doors, when it was the perfect opportunity to bring some money into Sheffield Wednesday and for the fans to attend the game.
There was another concern shared by some supporters, though, as Barry Bannan wasn’t spotted in any of the pre-season training pictures.
Bannan became a free agent after his contract expired on June 30, but he has been training with Sheffield Wednesday during pre-season.
With fans unable to see him in the latest pictures circulating on social media, it has raised doubts about his future. But hopefully, the Scottish maestro was just missed by the cameraman and is continuing his preparations for the new season.