Sheffield Wednesday begin their League One campaign this weekend after a brutal Championship season that saw them finish 24th with just 2 wins from 46 games. The Owls face Preston at home on July 18, 2026, looking to rebuild after conceding 89 goals and scoring only 29 last term.
What went wrong last season?
The 2025-26 Championship campaign was a nightmare for Sheffield Wednesday, who finished bottom with a -60 goal difference. Their last result, a 3-0 home loss to West Brom on July 11, 2026, capped a dismal season where they won just 2 games all year. The 95-point gap to leaders Coventry highlights just how far they've fallen.
Why League One could be a fresh start
Despite the drop, Alex Miller sees positives in the lower division's unique atmosphere. The Owls will face varied opponents from Leicester City to Bromley, with a Boxing Day trip to Burton among the highlights. The league's unpredictability offers a chance to rebuild away from the Championship's pressures.
What's next for the Owls?
With their first game against 14th-placed Preston on July 18, 2026, Sheffield Wednesday have a chance to start fresh. The club's recent form shows just 1 win in their last 4 games, but a new season brings hope. As Miller notes, the 'proper football' of League One - with its Bovril, floodlights and away days - might just be what the Owls need to rediscover their identity.
