Why 'machine' summer signing is popular with Sheffield Wednesday fans so soon after move from Motherwell
Callum Slattery is very popular with Owls supporters after signing in the summer
Henrik Pedersen praised ‘machine’ Callum Slattery, saying he understands why he is a fan favorite already.
The midfielder signed for Sheffield Wednesday earlier this summer on a free transfer from Motherwell, penning a three-year contract. The 27-year-old was highly-sought after by other clubs after five years at Fir Park, helping them achieve a UEFA Conference League qualifying place. Securing his signature was seen as a coup for The Owls.
Slattery, who has been playing as a number 10, scored on the opening day against Leyton Orient, and netted his first goal at Hillsborough on Saturday in the 7-2 hammering of Bromley. As well as his goals, his work-rate is infectious and he is already very popular with supporters so soon into his Wednesday career.
“His mentality is top,” Pedersen said. “His hunger is top. How he's working is top. He has improved since the first day here, his tactical skills. He has many more good offensive positions where he can receive with an open body, where he can speed up the game. He's starting to make many more runs without the ball. One of the most important things we spoke about in the beginning was when he received the ball, he played and then he ran, but we also want deep runs before he has contact with the ball. I think he has increased a lot in that position, especially the deep runs. And then defensively, he's a machine.”
Slattery gave Wednesday the lead against Bromley, slotting in from close-range after Louie Barry picked him out with a low cross. Slattery then assisted the third goal for Jamal Lowe just before half-time.
Pedersen added: “He's working so hard, but with so much brain. So I understand that the fans can identify themselves with him because he's a hardworking guy, and it doesn't matter what he has done in the last action, he do the best he can in the next.”
Wednesday are next in action on Tuesday away at Wycombe Wanderers, who lost 5-1 at Stockport County at the weekend.