Last season saw the return of the Steel City derby to the second tier of English football as Sheffield United trounced their way to the 2016/17 League One title.

In the same season, Sheffield Wednesday found themselves just a few games from Premier League football having made the Championship play-offs, only to be beaten by Reading in the semi-finals.

Last season

You would have thought that, from these positions, Wednesday would have been the team progressing further. Spurred on by their near success.

Instead, they have regressed whilst their arch-rivals continue to make strides towards the top end of the division.

Last season saw the Blades finish just six points outside the play-off places and 12 points ahead of their local rivals. Chris Wilder's side made one of the most impressive returns to Championship football we have seen in a long time.

The Blades also took four points off of Wednesday in their fiercely competitive local derby.

What needs to change? 

With nine squad players aged 30 or above, it's easy to see how the Owls have ended up behind their rivals. They have not been planning for the future, rather they have been bringing in players such as Steven Fletcher hoping to be pushed over the line into the Premier League.

A transfer window based on investing in younger players who will improve over the coming seasons will see the club reap greater rewards and catch up, and maybe overtake, their rivals. Having made no signings so far, nor sold any players, this remains a concern.

A look across the city and the Hillsborough faithful can see their rivals bringing in Dean Henderson on loan. One of the Football League's best goalkeepers last season.

This is a squad that has served Sheffield Wednesday very well. They have brought the club back to the brink of Premier League football with one play-off final and one semi-final elimination.

But insanity is defined as doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. In reality, the results get worse. It is now time for Wednesday to ring the changes if they are to become top dogs in the steel city again.