標籤: Sheffield

Sheffield Wednesday supporters have had little time to celebrate in recent months.

Relegation to League One in February pushed the club into even greater uncertainty, as frustrations over ownership and the future continued to grow around Hillsborough.

That disappointing background perhaps explains why the name of Carlos Carvalhal still holds such affection in Sheffield.

portuguese newspaper game This week on Wednesday a major feature was devoted to the magic of Carvalhal, this period is now being revisited through a new book called “Carlos Had a Dream” written by journalist Dominic Howson.

The book revisits the 2015/16 season, when Wednesday reached the Championship play-off final against Hull City and came within one match of a Premier League return. The club has not played in the top flight since 1999/00.

For many supporters, that campaign still represents the emotional pinnacle of Sheffield Wednesday’s modern history.

from doubt to belief

Howson explained to the Portuguese press that Carvalhal arrived at Hillsborough surrounded by suspicion.

“With him, it was a real leap into the unknown,” He said. “He had coached big clubs but had never worked in England. Many supporters were disappointed by Stuart Gray’s dismissal as he had achieved success with a limited budget.”

The skepticism extended beyond the stands.

“Carvalhal walked into a skeptical dressing room, a skeptical fan group and a skeptical press box,” Howson recalled.

That mood didn’t last long. Before Carvalhal’s arrival Wednesday had finished 13th in the championship. Expectations were modest even after owner Dezfon Chansiri increased spending. Yet the Portuguese coach quickly changed the atmosphere around the club.

“The first season was innovative, fun, and full of potential,” Howson said. “Wednesday signed 15 players, but they almost immediately formed a cohesive and expressive team. The football was adventurous and entertaining.”

Players such as Barry Bannon, Ross Wallace, Fernando Forestieri and Gary Hooper became symbols of a side that suddenly felt alive again. Forestieri, in particular, emerged as one of the championship’s outstanding performers that season.

Wednesday lost only two home league matches during the 2015/16 campaign. Hillsborough came out strong again. The crowd kept increasing. Optimism spread throughout the city.

Howson believes that emotional impact explains why Carvalhal still holds a special place in the club’s modern story.

“He gave confidence, identity and happiness,” The author explained. “His personality resonated deeply. Supporters embraced him wholeheartedly and sang ‘Carlos Had a Dream’.”

The chant eventually became one of the defining symbols of that era.

“The atmosphere changed overnight”

The timing of the book release seems important. Wednesday are preparing for another painful rebuild after demotion, while the memories of the Carvalhal years grow stronger with time.

Particularly for younger supporters, the run to Wembley has become a reference point for them as to what the club can still be. Howson said this clearly.

“For the younger generation, the 2015/16 season defines the club,” He said. “This is no longer the era of Di Canio or Benito Carbone and the excitement of the 1990s. That trip to Wembley was monumental.”

The author returned repeatedly to the idea that Carvalhal changed not only the results, but also the feeling around Sheffield Wednesday.

“He spread joy and ended years of indifference,” Howson explained. “Supporters fill Hillsborough again to watch bold football.”

He then described how quickly the mood changed around the club.

“The atmosphere changed overnight. The excitement grew every week. There was freedom and individuality in the team, and character in the dressing room. We had a stadium that was again full of noise and hope. Confidence spread throughout the city.”

Howson also believes that Carvalhal’s personality played a major role in creating that relationship.

“He connected with people regardless of results. He had charisma and humor.” He said.

Despite the club’s difficult situation, that emotional attachment is still strong.

“Carvalhal was the club’s first foreign manager and became a unique chapter in our modern history,” Howson added. “With them, it was the last time Wednesday felt really close to the Premier League, with exciting football and a lively atmosphere.”

The author acknowledged that the current reality of Hillsborough makes those memories even heavier.

“It’s sad to see where we are,” He said. “But Carvalhal is still popular with supporters. He created memories that go far beyond disappointment.”

Carlos Carvalhal still wonders what would have happened if Sheffield Wednesday had completed the job at Wembley. Ten years from now, supporters will probably do the same.

portuguese newspaper game This week Wednesday’s remarkable 2015/16 season was revisited through a major feature attached to the book “Carlos Had a Dream”, in which authors Dominic Howson and Carvalhal both reflected on the club’s painful near-miss and the stories that still surround that team.

Sheffield Wednesday reached the Championship play-off final under Carvalhal before losing 1–0 to Hull City on Wednesday, missing out on one of football’s richest prizes. For many supporters, it still hurts.

“For the younger generation, the 2015/16 season defines the club,” Howson explained. “That trip to Wembley was memorable, the first in 23 years. For many supporters it was the greatest moment of their lives.”

Over 40,000 Wednesday supporters traveled to Wembley that day. Fans believed that promotion could eventually bring the club back to the Premier League for the first time since 2000.

The £170 million question

Howson acknowledged that the feeling towards the club during that period was different to that experienced by Sheffield Wednesday supporters for years.

“Nobody expected us to fight for promotion, to reach the play-offs,” He remembered. “And nobody expected us to beat Brighton and get to Wembley.”

That semi-final against Brighton remains one of the defining nights of Carvalhal’s spell. Wednesday won 3-1 on aggregate and suddenly found themselves one game away from the Premier League. However, the ending was brutal.

“Many players froze on football’s biggest stage,” Howson accepted. “It was a painful end to a remarkable season.”

Howson believes that the promotion would have changed Carvalhal’s status forever.

“If Carvalhal had finished with promotion to the Premier League, I think he would have achieved legendary status in the city and he would have been forever appreciated.” He said.

The financial impact will also be huge. Promotion was valued at around £170 million (€195 million), money that could potentially shape the club’s future.

“This could have helped the club to reposition itself over time,” Howson acknowledged, before adding a more cautious thought. “But given what we know today about the ownership situation, perhaps not going up was a blessing in disguise. We don’t know what might have happened.”

Carvalhal himself is not interested in dwelling too much on the defeat.

“If we had gone up, I don’t know whether I would have stayed at Sheffield Wednesday for many years,” He reflected. “It was like that. We started as underdogs. We weren’t promotion favorites and still finished sixth.”

The Portuguese manager instead prefers to focus on how expectations changed dramatically during that first season.

“I arrived at Sheffield Wednesday with the idea of ​​stabilizing the team, then suddenly we found ourselves fighting for promotion to the Premier League,” He said. “I can feel like a champion only for exceeding objectives.”

He also admitted that his relationship with the club has become deeper than expected.

“At that time I had opportunities to leave, but I did not want to do so because of my attachment to the club,” Carvalhal revealed.

“If you leave a mark on a club to such an extent that people remember you years later, and someone decides to write a book about that campaign, then that’s rewarding,” He said. “Only the promotion was missing because everything else was extraordinary.”

Carvalhal also proudly highlighted the historical significance of what his employees accomplished.

“We were the club’s first foreign coaching staff and were responsible for some of the best results of the modern era,” he explained. “Staying in people’s memories as Portuguese makes it even more special.”

“A giant wake up”

Carvalhal’s personality became almost as famous as the football. Supporters still remember the metaphor, the emotional speech and the feeling that something different was happening around Hillsborough.

One sentence followed him everywhere.

“I had an expression that became very popular – ‘Let’s wake up a giant’,” Carvalhal was recalled.

In many ways, Sheffield Wednesday supporters believe that is exactly what they did.

“The club was literally sleeping,” he explained. “We almost doubled the crowds, increased attendances by 30 per cent and our away allocations were always sold out.”

Then came Wembley.

“The 40,000 tickets we got were sold out,” Carvalhal added. “That was our big objective.”

Howson also revisited the origins of the famous “Carlos had a dream” chant, which eventually became inseparable from that team.

“It happened at Brentford when Lucas Joao scored a late winner,” he explained. “The supporters sang the song all afternoon and at first they didn’t even realize it was about them.”

Carvalhal embraced it completely. According to Howson, the Portuguese coach later had the song embroidered on the inside of his jacket and printed on his boots.

Howson also highlighted another famous Carvalhal moment, this time after a chaotic comeback against Cardiff City.

“Had a loss on Wednesday, then threw in two more forwards and began a spectacular comeback,” The author recalled. “He later explained this by saying that he ‘put all the meat on the grill.'”

This explanation became another example of the Portuguese manager’s strange charm.

“It was philosophical, colorful and said with a smile,” Howson added. “He connected with people regardless of results. He had charisma and humor.”

arsenal story

One of the best stories of Carvalhal’s spell involved Barry Bannan and Ross Wallace before Sheffield Wednesday’s famous 3–0 win over Arsenal in the League Cup, a result many supporters still talk about today.

Carvalhal admitted that he had deliberately told both players that they would not be involved. The reaction was exactly what he wanted.

“I told Ross Wallace and Barry Bannon that they wouldn’t play because we had too many matches.” he explained. “This was a conversation to test their reactions.”

The pair were angry.

“They were upset and convinced they wouldn’t play,” Carvalhal said. “But I was always confident that I would use them.”

Believing they had the night off, both players went out for a drink.

“They went to drink beer and drank too much,” Carvalhal laughed. “But because I actually planned on playing them, they started right away and both had very good games.”

Sheffield Wednesday then defeated Arsenal 3–0.

“They were surprised and started laughing afterward,” Carvalhal added. “But in proper British fashion, there is no beer that can beat ours.”

This line perhaps explains why Sheffield Wednesday supporters still remember the Carvalhal years differently from almost everything that followed.

Sheffield United’s Nils Zetterstrom wants to seal a permanent move to Genoa in the summer.

The Sweden international came up through Malmö FF’s youth system and forced his way into their first team in 2024. His performances may have convinced the Blades to bring him up to the Championship. €3.3m last August.

Ruben Seles was in charge when he arrived at Bramall Lane and was replaced by Chris Wilder in September.

The current Sheffield United manager did not consider the centre-back and he again failed to appear for the English club. The lack of opportunities frustrated him, forcing him to move away from the Blades in the winter market.

In January, Wilder’s side allowed him to join Genoa on a loan deal with an option to buy and at the time, Sport Witness released the news that there is a purchase clause. €5.5m.

The loan move hasn’t really worked out for the 20-year-old so far. He made his debut for Genoa by coming off the bench against Bologna in January and has not made an appearance since.

Sheffield United’s difficulties and future plans

soccer channel I’ve spoken to Nils Zetterstrom to discuss his life in Italy, why he struggled at Sheffield United and other topics.

The defender blames managerial changes for his lack of opportunities at Bramall Lane.

“No, the coach who brought me there was fired early. And the new coach had a different playing style and believed in different players. So, I was often sitting there in the stands,” He said.

The Sheffield United player is set to join the Italian club permanently via a purchase option.

“Yes, of course. As the situation is now, I am definitely ready to stay in Genoa. We will see; there are eight matches left, and then the summer transfer window will open. But I am ready for that,” Zetterstrom explained.

The Swede is enjoying life in Italy, which encourages him to continue with Genoa.

“I really enjoy it there. If you compare it to English football, in Italy there is a lot more rhythm to the game. Sometimes you let the opponent have the ball, you only defend areas that are dangerous and when you have the ball, the opponent does the same.” He added.

Summer exit pays off for Sheffield United

Nils Zetterstrom sees no future in the Championship side under Chris Wilder. Therefore, a permanent exit in summer would benefit both parties.

The player wants to join Genoa, but whether they will exercise the buyout clause is unclear.

Benito Carbone’s football journey spans countries, cultures and generations, but one chapter still stands above all the others: Sheffield Wednesday.

Long before Inter Milan trained the youth and shaped Italy’s next generation, a teammate and a club changed everything.

It was teammate Paolo Di Canio who helped Sheffield Wednesday become a second home. Now he has explained everything to Gazzetta dello Sport.

Paolo Di Canio and the partnership that changed everything

Carbone doesn’t hesitate when he talks about Di Canio. The pair played together for one and a half seasons at the Oval, from August 1997 to September 1998.

Carbone was already at Hillsborough, having joined in October 1996. Di Canio arrived in August 1997, and the connection was immediate. First, there was the famous unveiling photo in which the pair were seen sharing an uncooked frozen pizza. Then the connection came on the pitch.

Together the two Italians formed one of the most creative and fondly remembered partnerships in Sheffield Wednesday’s modern history. In his only full season, Di Canio led the club with 14 goals, while Carbone contributed nine goals of his own.

According to the latter, the connection was immediate, intuitive and almost telepathic.

“Our families were always together, our kids were the same age,” He remembers.

“On the pitch, we understood each other immediately, just one look was enough. Di Canio was the best partner I have ever played with.”

Why did surviving Sheffield Wednesday feel like winning the title?

Yet despite the brilliance of the partnership, Sheffield Wednesday had a struggling season.

There were high expectations following Di Canio’s arrival but instead the Owls struggled for consistency. The club spent most of the campaign fighting relegation, ultimately finishing 16th and surviving by the narrowest of margins.

Most fans don’t remember it fondly, but Carbone has a different take. For the Italian, surviving Sheffield Wednesday was no footnote, it was a triumph.

“Staying at Sheffield Wednesday was like winning the title,” He adds.

An era of the Premier League that produced a footballer

Benito Carbone, perhaps, is looking back on his experiences beyond Sheffield Wednesday. His playing years in England were defined by challenges and successes.

He faced defenders such as Tony Adams, earned praise from Rio Ferdinand and built a reputation as one of the league’s most unpredictable midfielders.

At Sheffield Wednesday, he found freedom, and the partnership with Di Canio brought him joy. Purpose was also added to the fight for survival. And he fondly remembers the time when the Premier League was still being formed.

“It was not such a global league yet, but it was a very tough championship,” He concluded.

“There were a lot of English players there, and the game was all about the second ball: passing, aggression, heart. I had to face very tough defenders like Tony Adams. Rio Ferdinand once told me he didn’t sleep all night before playing against me. What a compliment!”

For Carbone, Sheffield Wednesday was never going to be just another milestone in his career.

It was where football became family and where the help of a teammate changed the course of his life. That’s why survival felt like victory, and that’s why this chapter still means everything.

Ben Godfrey has explained why his spells at both Sheffield United and Ipswich Town failed, as he wants to start again at Brøndby.

BOLD had an interview with the 28-year-old today. He’s looking to move away from the disastrous 2025 and the past few years in general.

The defender moved to Brøndby in the winter, joining Steve Cooper at the Danish club. He joined Atalanta on loan until the end of the season.

It has been a challenging few years for the defender following his move to Atalanta from Everton in 2024. He struggled to establish himself at the Serie A club, ultimately spending the second half of last season on loan at Ipswich Town.

Loan to Brøndby

Godfrey made only three appearances for Kieran McKenna’s side as they were relegated from the Premier League. The first half of the season was spent on loan with Sheffield United in the Championship.

But his time at Bramall Lane was cut short in December After making only four appearances for the Blades in all competitions. It has now been explained to him that matters off the field may have played a role.

“I was a little lost when it came time to play,” He said.

“It was a period when some personal things were probably a little different for me, and that happens sometimes in life.

“And then I think players in my position were guaranteed playing time for the remainder of the season. We had an open and honest conversation, and have full respect for Sheffield United for that. They made it clear that I would no longer be part of their plans for the remainder of the season.

“Obviously it was a difficult period in my career. But also on a broader level. It’s not always just about football. You never know what problems other people are going through.”

“There will always be ups and downs. The last few years, or 2025, may have been a period where I had to reflect, learn or where circumstances did not work out favorably for me.”

Contract at Atalanta until 2028

There’s certainly no denying that the last few years have been difficult for Godfrey, even looking back at his time at Everton.

He appeared to be in a strong position with the Toffees following a €27.5m move from Norwich City in 2020 and particularly impressed playing under Carlo Ancelotti. That was until COVID struck and affected him significantly.

He then continued to open up about his struggles, even saying that at times it felt like he was playing ‘in someone else’s body’. It appears he is still struggling with this.

Anyone who watched him at Ipswich Town or Sheffield United will confirm this. The hope now is that he can find his feet at Brøndby and perhaps resolve his long-term future in the summer.

Sheffield United are currently 13th in the Championship, but still have a chance of reaching the playoffs. Having finished third last season they would have expected better.

Missing out on promotion was a major blow to the Yorkshire club, especially in the manner in which it happened. The contrast in the latter’s fortunes with Sunderland, who sit 11th in the Premier League, is stark.

That 2025 effort will be led in part by players identified by Steven VanHaaren, who worked in transfers for Sheffield United until 2023. That was as part of the United World Group.

He is currently the sporting director at Hungarian club György ETO FC and is leading a project to keep them at the top of the table.

Sheffield United’s goal wasn’t high enough

Vanharen was at Sheffield United when they were last promoted to the Premier League. He then left the club, stating that he did so because he saw no way forward.

Speaking to a Belgian newspaper antwerp gazetteOld people got: “Promotion to the Premier League with Sheffield was a highlight. In 2023, I resigned because I didn’t feel supported enough and didn’t see any upward trend. Yes, it was quite a journey. I’ve done all sorts of things in football, which means I can now speak to many members of the coaching staff at a high level.”

As part of the interview, the director repeatedly made it clear that money is not everything, and a strong plan is more important.

On his general view, Vanharen described choosing a manager as an important aspect.

“Success doesn’t always cost money.” He said. “It’s a matter of approach, structures, people’s qualities and developing and using them adequately. First of all, you ask yourself: ‘What kind of football do I want to see my team playing?’ So that a club has an identity, a recognizable style of football. Then you think about how you want to develop it. Which method do you apply?

“The most important transfer in this regard is your head coach, who must develop players within the club’s philosophy. The next step is to determine what player profile you need. Then you ask yourself how you want to develop the scouting around him and link that to data. Of course, it is more complex than it seems. But many clubs do not work according to those four simple steps.”

Something about that process clearly didn’t make him happy at Sheffield United.

Ruben Seles has had a mixed time at Real Zaragoza, and now it has come to an end.

The 42-year-old was appointed Sheffield United manager in June, and did not join until the autumn. Having previously been sacked by Hull City, he was given another chance in English football by the Blades.

Unfortunately, his tenure in charge of Sheffield United will go down in history for negative reasons. Sales failed to score a point with the Blades and was out of a job by mid-September.

In October he was lucky to be given a chance by Real Zaragoza. Seles wanted to use his experience in England to help the Spanish club, and said: “Over the past three years, particularly at clubs such as Southampton, Reading and Hull City, we have experienced similar situations to what we are currently experiencing at Real Zaragoza,” He said.

“And always with this ambition, in those slightly difficult moments, to be able to show that character. That knowledge, staying calm, and, above all, trying to carry it forward game by game. Day by day, improving your emotions. It’s an environment where, for different reasons, we have felt comfortable.”

How it all went wrong in Spain

After a difficult start and a lot of local skepticism when people became aware of his Sheffield United record, the manager became aware of Started moving things around.

However, this did not last long and Ruben Seles’ Real Zaragoza won only one of their last 12 matches under the Spaniard.

The club is currently bottom of LaLiga2 and fighting against relegation. The hope would be that the sales will give them a bounce back, with saving themselves still a realistic possibility.

Real Zaragoza are keeping it quiet for now

Interestingly, the manager’s exit was reported throughout the Spanish media, including local newspapers Aragon NewspaperThey have not announced it officially yet.

The defeat to Burgos on Saturday was the final blow, and the manager was subsequently shown the door. The assumption would be that Real Zaragoza knew their fans were not impressed with the appointment in the first place, and were waiting to confirm a replacement before making their official announcement.

Earlier this month, Sheffield Wednesday allowed Yann Valery to join Young Boys on loan until the end of the season.

The Tunisia international made his debut for Young Boys when he came off the bench in a defeat to FC St. Gallen on 11 February.

Last weekend, the Sheffield Wednesday player played the full 90 minutes and provided two assists in a 6–1 win over FC Winterthur.

Friday edition of blick Looks at how the right-back can help the Swiss club and discusses his future beyond this season.

Why did the Owls approve the loan move?

Valeri played regularly under Henrik Pedersen and has made 23 Championship appearances for the Owls this season.

The English club is struggling financially and is in the process of finding a new owner.

Blick claims that Valeri is one of Sheffield Wednesday’s top earners and his exit will at least allow them to shed part of his wages.

The newspaper believes that this move will also benefit them from the sporting point of view and will improve their chances of making it to the World Cup. Whether this is the case or not remains to be seen.

Good start for Sheffield Wednesday loanee

He provided two assists in their previous win, and credited his new teammates for helping him settle in.

“The team gave me a great welcome. It made my first game a lot easier. The two assists were just a bonus,” He said.

Before joining Sheffield Wednesday, the fullback worked in England with Southampton. During his time at St Mary’s, the Saints sent him on loan to Birmingham City. It is believed that his previous difficult experience in England will help the Young Boys now.

“I learned this in England. But I have known it since I was a child. Later, I also experienced the battle of exile on the island,” Valerie explained.

As things stand, the Tunisian is set to return to Sheffield Wednesday at the end of his loan spell. The Owls are bottom of the table, and are unlikely to play in League One next season.

This will give Young Boys a chance to retain him beyond this season. However, Blick has warned that if he continues to shine, there could be more clubs queuing up to sign him.

The newspaper suggests the price could rise if ‘powerful Championship clubs make serious offers’.