MONK VOWS TO HIT TARGET BY END OF WEEK

Bannan puts Owls on road to positive points

- John Wragg

GARRY Monk wants Sheffield Wednesday to be clear of their 12-point deficit by the end of next week.

The Owls made a great start with this win at St Andrew’s, with matches at home to Brentford on Wednesday and Luton on Saturday to come.

They are on minus four points at the moment and Wednesday boss Monk says: “This is a relegation battle for us, make no bones about it.

“We have a chance this week to clear the 12 points. Whether we will I don’t know, but that is the plan. We started with minus 12 points and we have the biggest challenge in the league.

“But we have done some good business in the transfer window and the pleasing thing is that not one of the players I’ve brought in have asked about the 12 points and the situation.”

Aden Flint, who was an instant key man at the heart of defence, and Jack Marriott, who came on as sub, are Monk’s latest recruits.

Wednesday were handed the penalty for breaking spending rules and Monk says: “We go into this knowing in our minds this could be a big week, we could close that gap and put pressure on teams above, rather than them having time.

“That’s what we’ve tried to say to each other to set a standard.