Coach working wonders - exclusive

Last updated : 18 January 2005 By Andy Parsons

Blackley, brought in by Paul Sturrock to make the players more focussed on their defensive roles, has been the unsung hero for The Owls behind the scenes this season.

The defence were leaking goals earlier in the season but with all the same players available to Sturrock that were available to Chris Turner, the change of attitude has been the key says Blackley.

He told Footymad: “I am working very hard with the players at the moment and I can see a change, a big difference in them. They have all improved and I can see a bit more character – about three months ago we would have lost against Bournemouth but they are starting to dig in and work together more.

“I think the players have really progressed and hopefully that will be good enough to keep us at the top end of the league and get promotion.”