Proudlock hails boss - exclusive

Last updated : 01 November 2004 By Andy Parsons

Proudlock's performances have improved dramatically since Sturrock took over at Hillsborough and he scored the winner against Barnsley and the opener against Chesterfield on Saturday.

He looks a different player these days - he has lost about two stones, his work rate has improved and he has become more of a team player - although he cannot put his finger on why.

Proudlock told Footymad: "I don't know why that is, I've just got my head down and worked hard and hopefully it's paying off.

"It is natural a few fans got on my back, the club brought me in by paying good money for me and I know I haven't really given them what they have wanted so far but hopefully I can this season.

"Since Paul has come in, he has emphasised that the players have to work harder and he also says that you can't always play pretty football if you want to win a game, sometimes you are going to have to work your socks off to get the results.

"I have got three goals this season but scoring doesn't really matter - I'm happy with the club climbing the table and three points is more important."

That goes for the defending as well and Proudlock is again mystified about what has gone wrong in the last three games with the team leaking eight goals in three games.

He added: "I am not too sure about what's gone wrong with the defending recently but you have to defend as a whole team and we can't just blame it on the back four as we have two banks of four and the strikers have to work hard too."

More exclusive comments later this week from Owls defender Lee Bullen and one frustrated player who thinks his Hillsborough days are numbered.