Sheffield Wednesday is set to host Rotherham United in a highly significant showdown on Sunday, with both teams currently struggling at the lower end of the Championship standings.
Under the guidance of their new manager, Danny Röhl, the Owls have displayed some improvements in their playing style. However, they are still in search of their first victory of the season, having suffered a 3-0 defeat to Plymouth Argyle in their most recent match. On the other hand, Rotherham enters the clash with renewed confidence after securing their second league win of the season, defeating Coventry City 2-0 at home on the same night.
One player who will be eager to participate in the match against his former club is Sheffield Wednesday’s forward, Michael Smith. Smith, who was the top scorer for Wednesday in League One last season, transferred from Rotherham in a controversial double move alongside Michael Ihiekwe, a decision that didn’t sit well with Rotherham fans. Reflecting on this move, Smith acknowledged that his status as a fan favorite at the New York Stadium had been tarnished.
As time has passed, Smith recognizes that the reception from Rotherham supporters may not be warm when he faces his former team. Despite his significant contributions, including 82 direct goal involvements in 210 appearances for Rotherham, Smith understands that his return might be met with boos and criticism. He acknowledges that he made the decision to join Sheffield Wednesday from Rotherham, and he’s prepared to accept the consequences and live with the fact that his reputation at Rotherham has been affected.
In contrast, Michael Ihiekwe, who made the same move alongside Smith in the summer of 2022, has yet to make an appearance in a matchday squad selected by Röhl. Another former Rotherham player, Will Vaulks, had a brief 12-minute appearance in the Plymouth loss in the midweek match.
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