Their inconsistent performances and results are, to a degree, understandable. It was unrealistic to expect everything to fall into place immediately after a major squad rebuild. Teething problems were inevitable. Creating a coherent team takes time, repetition and hard graft on the training pitch.
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Off the pitch, Wednesdayites have witnessed huge progress since Arise took charge. Now they want to see a confident, vibrant team on it.
No one was fooled by Saturday’s draw at Huddersfield Town. Although Henrik Pedersen’s side showed bags of character, resilience and spirit to come back from two goals down to salvage a point, it was another poor, underwhelming display. They were outplayed for long stretches until Huddersfield inexplicably eased off and retreated into their defensive shell.
No one expected perfection from day one. After an extensive summer recruitment drive, ups and downs were to be expected. Pedersen has focused on making Wednesday hard to beat. One defeat in eight is a solid foundation to build on after the misery of 2025/26.
David Storch has repeatedly spoken of his determination and desire to bring the “excitement and fun factor” back to Wednesday
But it took Wednesday almost an hour to register a shot at goal at Huddersfield. And it was a similar story against Salford City in the EFL Trophy. Where is the front foot, vertical football Pedersen promised? Too often Wednesday have served up turgid, uninspiring fare. Their disjointed, unconvincing performances have understandably unsettled the fanbase.
Supporters want to see shoots of progress. They want to be entertained. They want to see chances be created. They want their team to play at a high tempo and intensity. They want to feel part of something that is building towards a clear identity.
Owner David Storch has repeatedly spoken of his determination and desire to bring the “excitement and fun factor” back to Wednesday. He asked Wednesdayites to judge Arise on their actions, not words – and Arise have delivered. They have stabalised the club, invested heavily and rebuilt infrastructure on and off the pitch. “We are dreamers working around the clock to bring our dreams, our shared dreams to life,” Storch said in July.
Storch and Arise have held up their end of the bargain. Chief executive David Bruce and sporting director Simon Wilson have assembled a competitive squad. But supporters have yet to see free-flowing, attacking football. It has been a dull watch and fans have been short-changed thus far.
Questions linger over the team’s style of play. What is their playing identity? Why are they so slow and methodical in build-up play? Where is the purpose, flair and imagination?
The product on the pitch has to improve. The shackles need to come off. The overcomplication - in and out of possession – has to stop. It’s time to see what this group can really do in an attacking sense.
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I agree with every word, Joe...