Sheffield Wednesday boss Darren Moore hopes the Owls can continue their 13-match unbeaten run and pull off a massive FA Cup upset against Newcastle – after leading his side into the top two of League One on a promotion charge
- Darren Moore, who has just completed 100 games in charge, is looking for promotion
- Wednesday scored 97 points and scored 104 goals in an incredible 2022
- Only Manchester City have surpassed them in the top four divisions in England
- Now Moore’s side face Eddie Howe’s in-form Newcastle in the FA Cup 3rd Round
Darren Moore hopes Sheffield Wednesday can continue their unbeaten run and pull off a giant-killing Newcastle United this weekend.
The 48-year-old, who last week completed 100 games in charge of the Hillsborough side, guided Wednesday to second place in League One with his eyes firmly on promotion.
They have had an impressive 2022, picking up 97 points across the calendar year and scoring 104 goals in all competitions, in fact, only Manchester City have surpassed them in the top four divisions.
Darren Moore hopes Sheffield Wednesday can continue their unbeaten run and pull off a giant killing spree at Newcastle United
Eddie Howe’s side have also been in impressive form but Moore hopes the Owls can extend their unbeaten run
Unbeaten in 13 games and 14 clean sheets, Moore’s squad will struggle to give a good account of themselves when they take on Eddie Howe’s high-flying side in front of a sold-out Hillsborough crowd at tea on Saturday.
Monday’s comprehensive 5-0 victory over Cambridge did little to quell the frenzy building in the Steel City, although Moore generally tried to temper expectations.
‘My focus is on Sheffield Wednesday, what happens elsewhere is not our concern,’ said Moore. ‘We’re just focused on making sure we give the best version of ourselves.
‘I just want to say thank you because everyone played a part in that record and figure,’ added Moore. ‘It has been a very good calendar year but we want to continue in the same vein in 2023.
‘It’s nice to be in the top two, this is where we want to be. Am I happy with that? Yes. Am I satisfied with that? No, why? Because we can get better, we need to get better as the season goes on and the way to do that is hard work on the training ground and taking that work into the games.’
Only Manchester City have scored more goals than Sheffield Wednesday’s 104 in the top four divisions in 2022
Moore’s experience and calm demeanor paid off, particularly in the man-management task he put on striker Michael Smith.
The 31-year-old was struggling in front of goal before Christmas during a four-game goal drought but a pep talk from Moore ahead of their game at Port Vale last week revived his confidence.
He scored two against Vale then added another brace against Cambridge to take his season’s tally to 11. The Wallsend-born forward is now relishing the prospect of an FA Cup clash against his boyhood club Newcastle.
I had a chat last week, me and Smudger, where I said this is your time to score. I didn’t predict he would score two!’ Moore laughed.
Smith, who hails from the famous local Boys Club which has produced talents such as Alan Shearer and Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick, said: ‘The magic of the Cup is still there for me. I remember watching it as a kid with my dad, finals at the old Wembley and in Cardiff. It was a rite of passage, coming from where I came from [being part of the Boys Club]. I didn’t have a trial at Newcastle, but I’m not bitter or anything!
‘I’ve never been to St James’ Park as a player – many times as a Newcastle fan. It will be nice before I retire.’
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