"They're the best in the league": Sheffield Wednesday star man delivers rallying call to fans ahead of ‘big test’

The 27-year-old, who has in recent weeks spoken on social media about the need for positivity around the club, said that even without supporters in stadiums, the Owls fanbase van act as not one, but two extra men on the field.

Wednesday kick off their 2020/21 campaign with a Carabao Cup trip to Walsall tomorrow before heading to Cardiff next weekend.

Speaking to The Star, Harris said: “Sheffield Wednesday supporters are the best in the league for me. And we need every single one of them to be on board this season, especially with the points deduction.

“They can be an extra two men on the field for us, although there's no fans at the moment. It’s the positivity they bring on social media or whatever, it makes a massive difference.

“I'd advise all of them to get onboard this season and I promise we'll do everything we can on our end to do our bit.

“Sticking together, players and fans, it's really important. We can achieve a lot this season.”

The comments come after teammate Moses Odubajo spoke out against personal abuse he has suffered online after an up-and-down start to his time at Hillsborough.

While Harris says negative feedback is not necessarily an issue for himself, he said that younger, less experienced players in the squad do feel the strain when targeted.

“For me personally it's not really an issue,” he said. “I'm headstrong and I've seen a lot in my career, it’s something that doesn't really get to me to be honest. But I can't talk for anyone else.

“I wouldn't want any of that to affect their performance. It’s definitely something that does affect some players and it's something we can work on because not all fans are going to take to them.

“I think the fans can definitely help, even if they don't like what they see, maybe just don't comment at all! That togetherness makes a huge difference and I'd love to see that happen this year.”

MORE FROM OUR WEDNESDAY WRITING TEAM

Everything new we learned from Garry Monk's first press conference of the new Sheffield Wednesday season

Garry Monk impressed by Matt Penney and Joost van Aken as returning pair fight for their futures

Reports: Former Sheffield Wednesday favourite Jermaine Johnson in hospital after being shot

Thank you to all who support local journalism with a digital or print subscription to The Star. The events of 2020 mean trusted, local journalism is more reliant than ever on your support. We couldn't do it without you. Subscribe here www.thestar.co.uk/subscriptions so we can keep campaigning on your behalf. Stay safe.