Coughlan: We Need Quality

Owls defender Graham Coughlan has vented his frustration at the Owls' start to the new Championship campaign by insisting Wednesday need to bring in some quality players if they are to avoid a repeat of last season.

Wednesday currently find themselves in 18th position in the Championship table after five games - the same position they finished last after a struggle to avoid a rapid return to League One football.

But the quality of football has improved with the arrival of a number of new players - but the former Plymouth Argyle legend says it isn't enough if the club wants to progress from last season.

'People keep saying it's going to turn. I have to be honest and say I think maybe we lack a little bit of quality.' Coughlan told BBC Radio Sheffield after the Owls 1-0 defeat at home to Yorkshire rivals Leeds United on Sunday.

He continued: 'We can't keep being nearly men, we had a season of that last year and we need to progress this season. We just need one or two players to boost the squad and give us the chance of at least a mid-table finish which will be an improvement on last season.'

Wednesday have been hit by a series of injuries in the early weeks of the season but have still managed a respectable five points form the first five games - including an impressive 2-1 away victory at high-flying Plymouth Argyle last week and some promising performances throughout August which could, and maybe should, have merited more for Paul Sturrock's men.

But it's unlikely the Owls boss will bring any fresh faces into the squad ahead of Thursday's transfer deadline. Chairman Dave Allen helped bring Charlton Athletic youngster Lloyd Sam in on a one-month loan but Sturrock has revealed that will be all.

Deon Burton also returned to first team action on Sunday with Barry Corr not far behind him. Marcus Tudgay, Yoann Folly, Steve Maclean, Drew Talbot, Steve Adams, Richard Wood and Peter Gilbert are all still out through injury but will give the Owls boss a big boost on their return.

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