Sheffield Wednesday’s promotion chances could hinge on Hillsborough stadium

This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more… 

Sheffield Wednesday’s season so far has been full of surprises – whether they are good or bad is up to interpretation, but as it stands, they are surpassing the exploits of the two teams that reached the playoffs under Carlos Carvalhal.

So that’s one positive.

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However, off the pitch, uncertainty continues to mount with owner Dejphon Chansiri staring down the barrel of a permanent ban from football while the English Football League could slap the club with a vast 21-point deduction.

Either way, their fate looks sure to be sealed depending on the influence of one key factor – Hillsborough stadium.

On the Chalkboard

Their home ground holds the keys to any form of success this campaign.

Under the stewardship of Garry Monk, the Owls are yet to lose on their own patch – that’s three wins and four draws since the 40-year-old took charge in September.

Overall from ten matches, Wednesday have the ninth-best home record in the division having lost just once when Lee Bullen was in caretaker charge.

It was that 2-1 defeat to Queens Park Rangers that led to the decision to appoint Monk permanently.

Solid form at home is usually a fantastic foundation for promotion – the two teams that finished top in the table last season were both promoted. Norwich City and Sheffield United only lost four of their 23 games, per Transfermarkt.

In addition, it is the dubious sale of Hillsborough that could lead to the messy situation that everyone is fearing.

Wednesday could be made an example of, either through expulsion from the Championship or a hefty points penalty that would see them go from playoff contenders to relegation favourites.

Therefore, their chances of success this season could well hinge on their home comforts, both on and off the pitch.

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In other news, Sheffield Wednesday outcast Jordan Rhodes may still have a future at the club