Harsh to expect too much so soon

Sheffield Wednesday are a club currently going through a transitional phase.
Steve BruceSteve Bruce
Steve Bruce

A huge summer of change beckons at Hillsborough, as Wednesday look to clear the decks and mount a fresh promotion assault in their first, full season under Steve Bruce.

So far, Bruce has been ruthless in his decision making.

His retained list, which confirmed that six members of his first-team squad are to be released at the end of their contracts this month, was revealed within hours of the final day defeat to QPR at Hillsborough.

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It showed just how relentless Bruce is going to be this summer in shaping his squad and his decision making.

But whilst there is a great deal of optimism and excitement ahead of the new campaign surrounding S6 right now, it may be worth pointing out that not too much should be expected of the Owls next season, not in an immediate sense anyway.

With six players, including Gary Hooper, being let go by Bruce, the likelihood is that the same number of new faces will come in.

Bruce has made his summer intentions clear; a younger and fresher look.

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Speaking after the final day reverse to QPR last month, Bruce said: "The vast majority (of the squad) are still here. It is time for freshness, it’s time for new legs and it’s time for a new chapter with them."

New additions at any club, of course, spark interest and excitement.

“veryone wants to catch a glimpse of those new additions.

But though excitement and intrigue comes attached with new faces, there is also the need of time being required, allowing those new members of the squad to be eased into their new surroundings and buy into Bruce's methods.

Though Wednesday aren't going to be drafting in 15 new recruits like they did in the summer of 2015 - as they prepared for life under Carlos Carvalhal - the situation, though on a smaller scale, will be similar.

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The team is going to need time to gel, learn one another's qualities and get an understanding of what it is that Bruce will want from them.

And that is why time is going to be so important for the Owls next term.

Yes, expectation levels will have soared from the season just passed, especially when Bruce has laid down the gauntlet, making it clear that he will be demanding a top-six push.

But as Wednesday proved four years ago, a summer of change needs time to fall into place.

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It was not until mid-September when Wednesday began to click into gear back in 2015.

Bruce may have arrived at Hillsborough with four promotions to the Premier League attached to his CV, but what he doesn't have is a magic wand. Patience will be required.

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