As the season draws to yet another exciting conclusion, Wednesday seems to have all but assured Championship football next season, as the realistic chances of pushing for anywhere near the playoff positions were snatched away by an inform Wolves and a frustrating draw to Fulham.
So we can begin to turn our attention to next season and with the recent Chansiri takeover comes a renewed sense of optimism and hopefully transfer clout.
One such player, for my mind should be first on the hit list – securing Lewis McGugan.
The Pacey playmaker-cum-set piece expert has been the second wind in the sails of a topsy-turvy season.
His 2nd loan spell has delighted with critical goals both in the form of quality set pieces and assists and attacking intent. 3 goals in 9 games does not a season make, but the injection of such a skilled midfield make McGugan the next loanee Wednesday cannot afford to miss – think Kenwyne Jones way back when and more recently Connor Wickham both at the time a financial stretch to far but firm fan favourites.
McGugan`s silky technical ability is apparent in the time he has on the ball and the quick link up play he provides – think Lavery`s first goal against Rotherham in what is quickly becoming one of “those games” was courtesy of some neat and slick build up down the right flank with an clinical cross that Lavery really couldn`t miss? and didn`t!
It highlighted a player calm under pressure and once again demonstrated the time he appears to have, a rare gem in midfield at Championship level.
His set piece ability is well documented and rightly feared by opposition. And it`s no fluke – he`s already put one between the sticks, against Derby, at his time at S6.
It`s best to let the pictures do the talking on this one. Remember THAT goal against Ipswich in 2010:
Fight. Passion. Hard work. The very definition of a typical English midfielder and as you dip below the Premiership it becomes increasingly more important. McGugan`s work rate and fitness levels ensure he isn`t a flair only player, he`ll put the tackle in and the hard yards tracking back. In that respect he reminds me of another famous set piece dynamo and former Owl, Chris Brunt – always a hard shift for 90 mins.
He`s a rare talent that I first picked up on at his days at Forrest and to my mind an incredibly capable Championship player, if not arguably Premiership standard?
All this in mind I think Gray and Chansiri should be drawing up the contract now, if Watford will play ball, but you got to believe they will as they push for the title and seemingly neglect McGugan to the delight of Hillsborough.
I`ve always been a believer in certain player working for certain clubs, look no further than two former Owls finding their touch in a different shirt, Michail Antonio and Marcus Tudgay both competent for Wednesday and electric for Notts Forest.
Maybe McGugan has found his place in Wednsday shirt?
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