This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…
Sheffield Wednesday’s season hangs in the mire because of decisions made off the pitch.
The Owls are competing in and around the Championship playoffs with the division being so fiercely competitive this campaign – less than a handful of points separate third place to the bottom half.
But the club is severely in jeopardy with so much uncertainty staring them right in the face.
The Engish Football League charged the south Yorkshire side with financial misconduct following the sale of Hillsborough stadium to owner Dejphon Chansiri.
Although no punishment has been set, probably a further cause of panic, many things have been speculated.
The Thai businessman, along with several other members of the Owls hierarchy, are facing permanent bans from football while the team could be deducted a whopping 21 points as a result.
Until a decision is met, the players and management team can only keep ticking on the pitch, which they appear to be doing.
It also must be considered that Monk inherited the whole squad from his predecessors, Steve Bruce, who departed the club for Newcastle United in the summer, and caretaker boss Lee Bullen, who steered the ship at the start of the season.
Not one of the players in the squad was signed by the 40-year-old.
January presents one good opportunity to begin that process, but it is likely the summer that brings about the most fruitful spell of his tenure.
Over ten first-team players are out of contract at the end of the season while it is an Owls side that is desperately ageing given they are the oldest in the division.
Ultimately, Monk will need two or three transfer windows or even years to fully stamp his authority down at Hillsborough.
Therefore, the one thing he needs the most to bring success is patience. His start at the club has been positive, but it’ll take plenty of time for him – or any manager for that matter – to make his mark.
Patience is the key.
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In other news, One man’s misfortune could actually be a blessing in disguise for Sheffield Wednesday…