Sheffield Wednesday winger Adam Reach has made the bold claim that the success of city rivals Sheffield United is having an adverse effect upon the Owls’ season.

The Blades are flying high in the division, and despite a recent lull in results, still lie a staggering ten points ahead of their fierce adversaries.

Chris Wilder’s men returned to the division last season after winning the League One title, and shocked Wednesday 4-2 at Hillsborough earlier in the year.

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Reach admitted that the pressure of falling behind their rivals had affected the squad at Hillsborough.

“It’s never nice to be below your rivals,” Reach told The Sun in their printed Friday Goals pullout (page six).

“They’ve created a nervousness around our club - fans don’t want to see their rivals doing better.

“But we’ve got experience of this league and how to finish in the top-six - we’re confident that come May we’ll be back in the playoffs again.”

The Verdict

Reach’s claim may infuriate Wednesday fans, but some will be comforted by the fact that the squad cares so much about the historic rivalry.

However Reach’s words sound like a pretty lame excuse for their poor performances, and the Owls cannot blame their shocking form on the fact their rivals are doing well.

Blades fans will love Reach’s words, and will bask in the fact that not only are their side performing remarkably, but that they are also pushing their rivals down the league table.

Reach’s admission seems a strange revelation to make to the public, and I feel that this feeble attempt to appease the fans will fall on deaf ears.

Wednesday fans, what do you make of Reach's words? Have your say below...