Garry Monk on his striker search and approaches for young players at Sheffield Wednesday

Sheffield Wednesday manager Garry Monk says the club will not panic as the quest to add to his squad continues, making clear they will only add players who fit the mentality and profile of the changing room he is trying to build.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The Owls have so far added five first team players in an unbeaten start to the season, with defender Chey Dunkley still to come in as he continues his recovery from a leg break suffered back in February.

Monk has made no secret of his desire to add to the squad, particularly in the forward line, and speaking to the media ahead of the visit of Watford on Saturday reiterated the challenges the club are facing in doing that.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It’s still ongoing but there’s nothing imminent on that,” he said. “You just take it daily and speak to the guys in recruitment and at the club and see if anything is moving on where we’re at.

Garry Monk has given an update on transfers - both in and out - at Sheffield Wednesday. (Pic Steve Ellis)Garry Monk has given an update on transfers - both in and out - at Sheffield Wednesday. (Pic Steve Ellis)
Garry Monk has given an update on transfers - both in and out - at Sheffield Wednesday. (Pic Steve Ellis)

“It’s a constant, daily communication but there’s nothing imminent at this time.

“The want for a club and a manager is to create competition. But it’s not easy and there are a lot of things that come into that. There’s our situation and how we have to work, but there are other factors, other players, other clubs that you have to consider as well.

“The most important thing is that it’s the right type of player, the right type of person to come in to this group. Trying to build that environment and hard work, that unity, is the most important part of that process. Whoever comes in will have to fit in with what we’re trying to do.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Asked how many players he’d like to add to his squad and whether the club are looking at other positions as well as up top, Monk said: “I don’t think you can put a number on it.

“If something comes along that can really help and advance us, we’ll do it. I’ve said that for all positions and I’ll never shut the door on any positions. As a squad as well, although it can be competition for them, they want to be successful, you want to do well and you want that competition.

“Although a lot more have gone out in terms of numbers and the numbers we’ve brought in, it’s brought competition and has pushed that comfort zone.

“The lads are seeing early rewards for that reason. I’ll always be open to adding to the squad, we have to be as a manager and as a club, that’s what successful clubs do.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We have to try, even though we’re not successful at this moment in time, we have to try and act like that and do that.”

On the outgoing front, Monk revealed that lower league clubs had been in touch with Wednesday over the availability of some of their younger players.

The Owls boss said earlier this week that decisions would made on their availability only when the make-up of his own changing room became clearer.

“There’s been nothing yet,” he said. “There’s always enquiries for the younger lads and what we’ve got for the younger age groups and stuff like that, which is quite normal. But aside from that there’s been nothing.”

MORE FROM OUR WEDNESDAY WRITING TEAM

Thank you for reading this article, one of dozens we publish every single day to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative coverage of YOUR club. This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to from the football team at The Star, please consider taking out a subscription to our new discounted sports-only package. You'll find all the details at www.thestar.co.uk/subscriptions/sports.

Your support is much appreciated.

Chris Holt, Football Editor