The incredible stats behind Sheffield Wednesday's promotion tilt

Fast forward to the present day and Wednesday are fifth in the table under Garry Monk's astute leadership.

The Owls are 13 places higher and 12 points better off than they were at this stage last season.

Saturday's thumping win away to fellow promotion hopefuls Nottingham Forest was a big statement of intent and means they have taken 10 points from the last four matches.

“It was a complete performance away from home against a really good side," said Monk.

“We knew Forest would be dangerous, but our game plan was near enough perfection in terms of our defensive shape.

“We got into good positions and were ruthless.

“We showed we have it (ruthlessness) in us.

“We have done it a couple of times this season.

“Maybe not enough but you can see how hard the lads are working to try and rectify that.

“We were very professional and controlled it in that second half.

“It was exactly what we needed to do and it was a really strong performance.

“We controlled the game from start to finish, it was a fantastic performance and a strong end to the week.

“We have had a strong week, when you look at two tough away games at Derby and Forest."

No team in the second-tier has scored more goals (21) on their travels than Monk's side this term.

Monk, whose given his players a few days off to rest and recuperate, said: “We have shown how well we can do in a three-game week and we need to be ready to do that again.

“It was a taxing week but they deserve the recovery.

“It is not rocket science; they will recover and then we will be back into work.

“It is as simple as that.”

Monk will be without midfielder Sam Hutchinson when the Owls entertain Bristol City on Sunday.

The former Chelsea man serves the second of his two-match ban for collecting 10 yellow cards.

But Moses Odubajo is available for selection again after completing his suspension.