High hopes at Hillsborough

Colchester United make the long trip up from Essex to be The Owls’ first opponents of the 2004/05 season although they do come with a reputation as party spoilers.

The U’s know this division like the back of their hand, they have been here, done it and got the t-shirt – Wednesday meanwhile are just hoping their new team gels so they have a chance of promotion this year.

So far Chris Turner’s new recruits look very impressive and credit to him for assembling a team after the summer clear-out.

David Lucas is a steady goalkeeper who often comes up with a few heart-stopping moments but he is the ready-made replacement for Kevin Pressman.

At the back, Guy Branston has made fleeting appearances in the pre-season but looks powerful, Lee Bullen will be a very steady acquisition while Patrick Collins could be one of the finds of the year if he continues his pre-season form.

It is fair to say that left-back Paul Heckingbottom had a stinker playing in an unfamiliar central-defensive role against Everton on Tuesday night but he has been faultless apart from that game – Chris Carr meanwhile still appears a little nervy.

In midfield, Glenn Whelan was not given a chances to show off his true potential at Manchester City with Wednesday being the lucky recipients of his services – he will not play today because of a suspension he picked up in City’s reserves.

Chris Marsden will add his vast experience and has been very impressive so far, spraying the ball around and getting stuck in where necessary while Jon-Paul McGovern seems to be the ideal winger – capable of beating the player and whipping in an excellent cross.

Matt Hamshaw’s return to fitness could be just as important as a new signing although fans have seen more of the outgoing Paul Smith rather than Richard Evans.

Lee Peacock is expected to start from the bench and has been very mobile and energetic in attack although Steve MacLean’s movement is excellent and he shows all the signs of being a top-class predator.

But despite all the hope, we all know how a season can dwindle away from being something encouraging to becoming something rather hapless – like last season for example!