Darren Moore describes the big thing he's missed in his opening weeks as Sheffield Wednesday boss
They past year has been a bizarre time for anyone to start life at a new football club.
With Sheffield Wednesday supporters having last seen their side play over 12 months ago, it is remarkable to think that the likes of Callum Paterson and Chey Dunkley are yet to play in front of Owls supporters.
Jack Marriott and Izzy Brown, both set to return to their parent clubs at the end of the season, may never have the opportunity. See also Elias Kachunga, whose contract is up at the end of the season.
And another Wednesday figure missing the experience of football in front of a fanbase is new boss Darren Moore
“Certainly for a club of this size and structure, not having the fans there is huge for us as a football club,” he said. “They are the 12th man and it’s such a well-supported club. They’re passionate, they’re loyal.”
Moore’s predecessor Tony Pulis spoke of an ‘empty feeling’ when walking out to the dugout of an empty stadium and the new man has longed for the opportunity to meet his new fans.
He said: “Since I arrived at the football club I have missed them. You arrive as a new manager and you walk into your first game, you want the fans there at Hillsborough.
“Hopefully the time is fast approaching, if we all continue to do our bit, it’s not in the too distant future we have fans back in our arenas and fans supporters there right with us on the pitch.”