'Kept it quiet' - Sheffield Wednesday coach reveals how he found out about points deduction wipe out
The Owls will start next season on level terms after fearing a big points deduction
Like most Wednesdayites, Owls coach Giles Coke only found out about Sheffield Wednesday’s points deduction win when it was shown on the big screen inside Hillsborough.
Supporters had been encouraged to get in the ground early before the game against West Brom on Saturday but the majority of them did not know what was going to happen. Although many probably could have predicted that new owner David Storch would give a speech, very few would have expected an announcement that a possible points deduction was being wiped out.
But that is exactly what unfolded as a video played on the big screen, counting down from 15 to zero. Manager Henrik Pedersen broke down in tears when he was told pre-match but not everyone knew.
“Massive boost,” Coke told The Star. “We didn't know. We were looking on the screen like everyone else. The gaffer kept it quiet. To see it go all the way down, I thought it was brilliant.”
It means that Wednesday will start next season on level terms with their rivals, potentially shifting their aims from a relegation battle to much higher ambitions. Coke said the news gave everyone a ‘massive lift’ and that undoubtedly helped them secure a rare victory.
“It has been a really, really tough season, so to end on a high and take something positive out of the season was a massive win for us,” he continued. “Hopefully now we can back it up next season and start winning some games. “
Coke was speaking to The Star at The Yorkshire Classico Padel Tournament, a fundraising event for Weston Park Cancer Charity at Club de Padel in Sheffield. The tournament, organised by FC Padel, saw players from Wednesday, United, Leeds, Barnsley, Rotherham United and Doncaster Rovers go head-to-head.
“Hopefully we raise as much money as possible,” he added. “It is a for a really good cause. and hopefully we can do more of these things to try and raise as much money as possible. “