Fans anger at Owls woe

Last updated : 09 May 2004 By Andy Parsons

Angry supporters made their feelings clear about how bad things have become at Hillsborough and many showed their disgruntlement with the current playing staff, the manager but most notably chairman Dave Allen, who slipped out of a side entrance to avoid confrontation with the hordes of discontent.

Ken Bates’ proposal was on Saturday given the thumbs down by the bank and the board of directors, a decision that angered Wednesday’s loyal support.

The Owls faithful though made their feelings clear about Chris Turner, who has so far not lived up to his promises and brought in way too many second-rate players in moulding his own team.

The under-pressure boss’ explanation of the season was one of understandable frustration, he said: “13 players have been here over the two or three seasons and it has been a very difficult situation since I came in here 16 months ago all I have been doing is putting out fires.

“I don’t run away from things, I’m positive and confident that what we will do this summer given the chance we will do well.

“I know the bank, who more or less own the club, have turned Mr Bates’ offer down, and that’s nothing to do with me, I don’t see the figures and I am sure the bank, who are owed £24million would accept any decent proposal made to them.”

Turner has it all to do though now after totally changing the playing staff around with players he has brought in, but is more than confident that he can do so by playing the tinker game yet again.

He continued: “The only way forward for the football club is that we are going to sit down and sort out the playing squad.

“I know how to build a team, you build it round team spirit, experience, a bit of youth and everyone being committed to one cause and that is the only way forward.

“But I am committed to this club and committed to getting it right and it has been a very trying time over the last three months.”

Oh and by the way, Wednesday lost to QPR 3-1 on the pitch to end a miserable season with Jon Shaw grabbing The Owls goal.

Rangers gained promotion to the first division with the victory, congratulations to them, although many Owls fans looked on and just wondered what could have been as Ian Holloway’s men celebrated in front of a fantastic following from west London.