Owls boss opens exit door

Last updated : 14 November 2008 By C. Morris

Sheffield Wednesday manager Brian Laws has stated that two and possibly more players who have had significant first team involvement may be available for loan moves within the next month.

Speaking to BBC Radio Sheffield on Thursday, Laws revealed that Wade Small and Peter Gilbert could leave within the next few days if any clubs come in for them but pointed out that he wanted them back at Hillsborough for the busy period of matches around Christmas and the New Year. The manager also stated "There may even be another striker that I want to get out".

Loan Signing Tony McMahon has done well at right-back and Frank Simek is edging ever closer to a full return to the first team fold. Lewis Buxton also appears to have impressed during the initial stages of his loan spell from Stoke and with his ability to play in any position across the back four it seems that Gilbert's immediate chances of getting into the first team are somewhat restricted.

Winger Wade Small also appears to have fallen down the pecking order. His fine goal at Charlton was the catalyst to the Owls only away victory thus far but niggling injuries have prevented him from sustaining a place in the squad. Fellow wingers Jermaine Johnson and Etienne Esajas have made strong claims for the wide positions while Sean McAllister has also played on the right side of midfield when Wednesday have looked to maybe adopt a slightly more cautious approach. As strikers Akpo Sodje and Francis Jeffers return to fitness Laws also has the option of putting Marcus Tudgay out wide.

As regards to who the striker may be, Deon Burton would seem the obvious candidate. Leon Clarke, who was thought to be a player out of the reckoning earlier in the season has come on strong recently and has earned the praise of his manager whilst Francis Jeffers, Akpo Sodje and Marcus Tudgay would all be expected to play key roles for the Owls.

Earlier in the week Laws revealed that he would like youngster Rocky Lekaj to go out on loan. Lekaj has been in fine goal scoring form for the reserves and may benefit from honing his skills in more competitive games in the lower leagues.


It is not known whether the decision to make these players available has arisen purely to give those who are now seemingly seen as fringe members of the squad a chance to maintain their fitness and competitive edge or whether there is any pressure to attempt to ease the financial situation at the club in any way.