Watford v Sheffield Weds: Gray plots path toward the ‘Promised Land’

The Owls are already starting to plan for next season, with the problematic pitch being ripped up and replaced at Hillsborough and the fate of a host of out-of-contract players will be revealed shortly.

Glenn Loovens, Kieran Lee, Jose Semedo and Chris Maguire are among those whose futures are up in the air, with head coach Stuart Gray expected to announce his retained list next week.

Gray is to also hold talks with Adam Pearson and Glenn Roeder, the other two-thirds of the Owls’ football committee, on the club’s strategy in the coming days and it promises to be a busy time.

Gray said: “We will get the game out the way and sit down again next week about taking the club forward.

“We all want to get to that ‘Promised Land’ and all have a part to play.

“They (Pearson and Roeder) have valuable experience and contacts and that can only be good for Sheffield Wednesday.

“I would love to get my business done early, but that will be driven by the agents. “

The Owls face a Watford side seeking a win to secure the Championship title and while the visitors have little to play for but pride, they are eager to sign off in the right fashion.

Gray added: “Watford are a good side and they are having a great run and will want to go and finish as champions.

“But we are not an easy touch away from home and will be playing on a good surface. We need a response from what we had against Leeds.

“It’s a good game we are looking forward to.”