Next up at Hillsborough...

Sheffield Wednesday are set to welcome newly-promoted Bromley to Hillsborough for the first time on Saturday.

The Ravens had not played in League Two before until 2024, never mind League One, with the history books showing a long and winding road through non-league.

The Owls have been beaten several times by so-called minnows over the years from their previous three spells in the third-tier and they won’t want that list to grow this weekend.

In a previous job, I watched Bromley play many times. Here’s what Wednesdayites who might not be so familiar with them can expect on Saturday...

NO SNOBBERY HERE

Bromley should not be taken lightly, as Barnsley found out on the opening day. It will be tough, frustrating and awkward. The Owls will have to earn the right to play and fight for every ball. It will be a proper scrap, slugfest and be stop-start. It will be a game won on who comes out on top in duels and second balls. The Ravens put the ball in your box at every opportunity so Wednesday are going to have to defend the area better than they did against Wolves. Expect a bombardment of long throws, corners and set-pieces. They will play in the right areas, too, but don’t expect them to start building from the back. I say all this with praise - not snobbery - because Bromley give absolutely everything. They all know their jobs and they do them very well. Wednesday will be asked numerous questions and will know that they have been in a game when they walk off at full-time.

CHEEKY BOY

On the subject of defending the box and winning second balls, say hello to Michael Cheek. The 35-year-old is a master at sniffing out chances in the box. Averaging a goal every other game in 300 plus appearances for Bromley, he comes alive in the area. If there’s a set-piece, he typically won’t get involved in the first contact, but you can bet your last pound on him being ready to pounce on anything that drops. And he seems to be getting better with age. He’s had lots of interest in him over the years but Bromley have managed to keep hold of him. He’s a legend down there.

WOODMAN’S WARRIORS

Manager Andy Woodman, who was part of Alan Pardew’s backroom staff who were given eight-year contracts at Newcastle United, has done a remarkable job. Woodman was a goalkeeper himself and his son Freddie is also a stopper at Liverpool, previously of Swansea City and Preston. He is a larger-than-life personality and gets every last drop out of his players. Had he perhaps had a fancier name, he would have probably got a move to a bigger club. Their budget in League Two won’t have been among the top-spenders so it was a fantastic achievement to win the title. Their finances mean they have a very tight-knit squad and they have kept a lot of players who were with them in non-league.

TOUCHLINE ANTICS

It will be lively. Henrik Pedersen is not one for getting involved in such behaviour but he might find himself losing his rag. Bromley give everything on and off the pitch. Woodman and his staff kick every ball and they will contest every decision. You might find yourself watching the two dugouts rather than the game. There will be housery. There will be dark arts. But it will be entertaining, too. Woodman is a big personality and always has a smile on his face, but don’t be fooled.