Former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder David Prutton has urged the Owls to back manager Garry Monk and ensure he has "the right weapons in his arsenal" to succeed. 

It's been an up and down first eight months in charge for Monk, who had his side pushing for a play-off place around Christmas before a torrid period saw their promotion hopes all but evaporate.

Wednesday have won just twice in their last 14 Championship games and have now slipped down to 15th in the table.

Monk took over from caretaker boss Lee Bullen in September but it seems some fans remain unconvinced that he is the right man for the job.

One man that it appears does is Prutton. The 38-year-old made 61 appearances for the Owls as a player and, speaking to Yorkshire Live, urged the club to back their current boss.

He said: "Garry knows how to win matches at that level. He's still a manager that wants to prove himself. I think chopping and changing doesn't necessarily help.

"I think giving him the right weapons in his arsenal will help, but whether that armoury looks significantly different going off the back of this (coronavirus crisis), it remains to be seen.

"When Carlos came in, did anyone think his first season would end with playing in the play-off final? Most people thought 'Who on Earth is he?' with the greatest of respect.

"He burned very brightly for a couple of seasons and then came away. Then there was the sliding doors moment with Bruce coming but then going to Newcastle.

"I think there's been an element of 'what if' with probably the last five or six years with Wednesday. But I think that with their best XI fit and on the pitch, they're more than a match for anyone in that league."

It looks set to be a big summer for Wednesday, who have 15 players coming to the end of their contracts and face an EFL charge that could result in a points deduction.

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The Verdict 

2020 has not been Wednesday's year, as just four wins in 14 games would attest to.

It must be a particularly frustrating season for Monk, who started so well but has seemed powerless to stop his side's downward spiral in form.

Prutton makes a good point here, however. The English coach has proven his quality in the past and has not been helped by injuries and the like. Giving him another chance makes a lot of sense, particularly with the number of players that could be leaving the club.