Owls need to build from the back

Last updated : 24 May 2014 By C. Morris

Sheffield Wednesday will be looking at a significant restructure of their first team this summer and the defensive end of the field may be top of the list of priorities.

Like many other clubs, the Owls released plenty of players at the end of the season and the team is likely to have a new look when the kick off their 2014/15 campaign in August.

Centre-backs Miguel Llera and Martin Taylor left the club and the short-term contracts of Glenn Loovens and Oguchi Onyewu came to and end. Wednesday hope to try and negotiate new deals with the latter two players but both have left their options open.

It would be a boost to see either player return, particularly the impressive Loovens but even if this was the case more numbers may be required, ideally a defender with pace to cover.

The full-back positions are less of a problem. Joe Mattock's form and injury record have been inconsistent but Stuart Gray seems to have faith in him at left-back and Jeremy Helan looks more accomplished in that position. The loss of Reda Johnson is a blow but this is due to his enthusiasm and personality as much as his football as sadly he has spent too much time on the treatment table over the past couple of seasons.

At right-back Lewis Buxton is one of Wednesday's most reliable performers but his injury problems last season were too frequent. Liam Palmer provides good cover in that area but he has developed as a midfielder over the past season and the centre of the park has been his preferred position.

Behind the defence there are also issues to be settled in the goal keeper position. Chris Kirkland has been excellent for two seasons but is now out of contract. There have been some encouraging signs that the former England international will sign a new deal but nothing can be taken as read until a deal is done.

Young Cameron Dawson, who had a spell on loan at League Two side Plymouth last season is the only keeper currently on the Owls first team books.