Name - Sheffield Wednesday

Formed - 1867, turned professional 1887

Ground Capacity - 39,812 

Nickname - The Owls

Rivals - Sheffield United

Sheffield Wednesday, I have often wondered on the origins of the name "Wednesday" for a football club.  In 1820 the founders of the Wednesday cricket club were local craftsmen.  There half day off being Wednesday.  The club was actually known just as Wednesday until 1929 when the name was officially changed to Sheffield Wednesday.  The nickname of the owls comes from the fact the club is located in the Owlerton area of Sheffield.

After a long spell in the Premiership Sheffield Wednesday found themselves relegated in 99-00.  Far from being able to bounce straight back they struggled in the second tier and were eventually relegated to the third tier at the end of 2002-03.  Wednesday did fare much better at that level though and bounced straight back following a 2nd place finish to 03-04.

Following there return to the Championship they have finished 19th, 9th and last season a disappointing 16th after a promising start.  Sheffield Wednesdays manager is ex-Burnley man Brian Laws.  Brian joined Burnley in 1978 as an apprentice and signed his first full time contract aged 18 in 1979.  He made his debut v Watford on 3rd May 1980 and went on to make 125 league appearances scoring 12 goals.

Wednesday have been quiet on the transfer front this summer, they released Ronnie Wallwork, Lee Bullen and Rob Burch at the end of last season.  The only incoming transfers have been James O'Connor and the loan deal to bring Jimmy Smith from Chelsea.  They will be boosted this Saturday however by the possible return of Akpo Sodje following a six months absence with a knee injury and Steve Watson who has declared himself fit this week following a behind closed doors game against Bradford.

Last season Burnley came away from Hillsborough with a 2-0 victory, the goals coming from Robbie Blake and Chris McCann.  With both these players showing good form this preseason Burnley will be hopeful of gaining a similar result this time around.