'Owls fans sticking by their club no matter what'

When Sheffield Wednesday begin the League One season in August they will not be sure of many things.

But what they will be certain of is unwavering support from their fans - fans who could be forgiven for feeling downtrodden and bereft of hope as this most distressing of seasons edges towards its conclusion.

On Saturday, that same support helped galvanise their team as they threatened a second-half fightback against Southampton that sadly, for them, never fully materialised.

The loudest of cheers greeted Jerry Yates' first goal for the club, only Wednesday's third of the calendar year. The encouragement was audible every time the hosts threatened.

It was noticeable in the upper section of Hillsborough's South Stand - the area which houses the press box - that there were lots of young Wednesday fans, enjoying activities in the concourse put on by the club, there to enjoy the simple joy of a football match with parents, guardians and those closest to them.

They all joined in with the shouts of encouragement when Wednesday summoned some quality on the pitch. There was no expression of disdain for a team on its way to a 12th successive Championship loss.

The Owls may not win another game this season. They might start next season on minus 15 points. But their fans will likely still swell their old stadium with that kind of support and sell out away ends up and down the land.

Wednesday need a viable buyer soon, no question.

But there is also, it appears, no doubt fans will remain loyal, however difficult things are at the moment or how bleak the future may look.

The spirited display on and off the pitch on Saturday also gave an indication as to why Henrik Pedersen wants to remain in charge.