Frank Lampard seeks clarity from Sheffield Wednesday amid protest concerns and 'sympathy' to Owls' plight

Coventry City have today sought more clarity on Sheffield Wednesday’s protocols for dealing with any disruptions amid uncertainty around potential protests from home fans at Hillsborough.

There has been talk of potential pitch invasions in a bid to make a stand against Owls’ Thai owner Dejphon Chansiri amid the club’s on-going financial problems that has resulted their players not been paid on time for five of the last seven months including not receiving their wages on pay day for September.

Sky Blues boss Frank Lampard has expressed his concerns about his players’ safety and sought assurances from Wednesday while also expressing his “sympathy” for the club’s fans and players, the latter of whom he believes deserve credit for the way they are handling themselves. He also admits their plight may “inspire” them on the pitch in what he feels is a very tough game.

City travel to South Yorkshire in buoyant mood looking to extend their eight game unbeaten start to the season off the back of three clean sheets and two wins in the space of five days.

“The players should be confident in how we’re playing but the next game is always the most important thing and there’s a fine line between confidence and overconfidence in football," said the City boss. "So I appreciate we’re playing well but I appreciate every game is a different test. And this is a particularly challenging test for us because of the nature of the Championship, always, but Sheffield Wednesday who are sat towards the bottom of the league, fighting for everything.

“There’s lots going on around the club which is sideshow, but it’s relevant. We have to focus on the game and try to manage anything that may come. But yeah, we’re confident but as I say it’s about making sure our focus is really on point.”

Asked if he will talk to his players about any potential disruptions to the televised lunchtime kick-off, and how he will manage any problems if they crop up, Lampard said: “I will speak to the players about it. I think the main focus is on the pitch, obviously for us, and they have to try and deal with the game that’s in hand because it’s going to be a tough game. Sheffield Wednesday have had some good results recently and still maintain a strong squad in this league.

“They’ve shown that with some of their results, going to Birmingham in the week, going to Portsmouth and winning, not easy, and a draw against QPR – all these games, they’re managing. So that part of it is there and then the off the pitch stuff, there are variables which we can’t control but we need to be ready for. But I suppose clarity of what the protocol will be is the important thing if there are issues.”

He added: “The first thing I’d say is I’ve got a lot of sympathy with Sheffield Wednesday fans because I grew up when Sheffield Wednesday was always a big football club, and still is, so I understand their emotions, even though I’m not completely in touch with the story. But I get it.

“But I have to think about Coventry City and my players, and the things I’m hearing about people might come on the pitch, we haven’t had massive clarity on. There are some conversations this morning on our players’ security, their players’ security and what may happen because we’re going there and, as I say, my first concern is us.”

Lampard is also keen for more clarity on what may happen if there’s an abandonment.

“Sheffield Wednesday have to deal with their end but that needs to be communicated to us,” he said. “What are the variables that might happen, what might be the consequences of what may happen because we saw with Ipswich and Blackburn recently (which was abandoned due to a waterlogged pitch), which is still ongoing. But that was a natural cause. This may not be.

“So I want some clarity on that. I haven’t heard much but there are conversations ongoing this morning. And outside of that I’ll focus on my job which is trying to get the team ready.”

As for the issue of Wednesday’s players not being paid, Lampard gave credit to his fellow professionals for the way they have handled the situation, and warned that the adversity may actually galvanise them and make them more of a threat.

“Who knows how each individual handles that situation,” he said. “It’s not easy. But what I will say is that players need a pat on the back. Sometimes football players get a lot of opinion on them about the perks that may come with our job. But I also know football players, from playing with them and managing them a long time, and they generally dig in and do the right thing. And sometimes things can be an inspiration when you least expect it.

“So I’m not sold on exactly how that one will land. But as I say, I’ve got sympathy for the situation to a big point from being a football person. But I’m not expecting anything to come off. In fact, it may inspire players in these situations.

“I’ve not been in that situation but have with similar things with backs against the wall in certain terms and it could definitely inspire them. So I don’t think it makes the game any easier, on paper, for us. If anything, maybe the opposite.”

Do you have sympathy for Wednesday's plight? Click HERE to have your say.

Every day, the CoventryLive football desk strive to deliver all manner of news, features and transfer-related stories as a part of our overall package of Coventry City content.

Our dedicated reporter Andy Turner - who you can follow on X by clicking here - follows the Sky Blues home and away and offers you comprehensive coverage from matchdays, press conferences and everything that happens in between.

So much happens day to day and sometimes you can struggle to keep on top of the very latest updates as and when they occur - that's why we have produced a daily newsletter which you can sign up to, for free, and which means you'll have a round-up of the key stories land in your email inbox. Sign up to the City newsletter here .

Click here to read article