Tony Pulis has said that Sheffield Wednesday were lacking direction when he came in as manager.

The Owls have endured a difficult start to the new season after facing a points deduction for breaching spending rules at the end of last term.

Results under previous boss Garry Monk were deemed to be unsatisfactory and as a result the club took the decision to remove him as manager.

Since then Pulis has come in and has shown early signs of solidifying the Owls as he looks to move them up the table.

Part of his job has been galvanising the first team squad - something that he admitted is difficult due to the 'lack of spice' that the players have.

As quoted by Yorkshire Live, Pulis said: "It was a dressing room that lacked a bit of confidence and maybe some direction (when I came in).

"But they have been smashing and the supporters can understand they are a good group.

"They maybe lack a little bit of that spice that good teams have but we will get there.

"At the moment, it is very important that we get through to Christmas and pick up as many points as we possibly can."

Think you’re a big Sheffield Wednesday fan? Take our 18 question quiz to find out

 

He added: "I think everybody who is a Sheffield Wednesday supporter in and outside of the city should be really, really proud of the effort they have put in.

There is good spirit in the dressing room. We have tried to pull them all together and we have done certain things as a group together to lift everybody. The players showed today that spirit is there.

The Verdict

Tony Pulis certainly faces a big challenge at Sheffield Wednesday.

Organising the team to a point where they can pick up consistent results is the first test, but over time they need players who will add quality and consistency.

That will take time but early signs are encouraging at Hillsborough.