Sheffield Wednesday: Let's turn Hillsborough into a difficult place for teams to visit, says Garry Monk

The Owls, currently ninth in the Championship after winning four of their opening seven Championship outings, entertain the Cottagers in Monk's first home match in charge on Saturday.

Monk, who spent three months on loan at Wednesday in the 2002/03 season during his playing career, told The Star: "In this league, especially, Hillsborough needs to be a place where teams find it a difficult place to visit.

"We have to achieve that, and the starting point is the fans seeing a team committed to that shirt.

"Whether it goes for you or not, on the pitch, the fans have to see that intention and attitude. That’s what fans demand.

"A big passionate crowd, like they have here, I have seen it sat in the opposing dugout. It’s loud, noisy and ferocious, and it’s a difficult place to play.

"We all have a responsibility for that. The staff, players, but also the fans. It can’t always just be the players. There might be tough times when the players might not just be there, and the fans have to drag them through it."

Monk can't wait for his S6 debut, saying: "I am massively looking forward to it. It will be a proud moment to lead the team in my first home game at Hillsborough.

"I have witnessed the fans here as a player, but also as an opposing manager, and I realise how difficult it can be.

"We have passionate fans, a huge fan base, and it’s important we try and connect all of that, come together and fight.

"We have to fight together. That’s the key. If we can fight as players and staff, that’s the No 1 demand on players, that 100 per cent commitment.

"Fans can accept disappointment if they know their team is giving 100 per cent. That’s the basic starting point, then we can build upon that."