Laws learns the lessons

By Jonathan Rawcliffe

Wednesday kept faith with Laws despite an awful start to the season

They say what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Sheffield Wednesday boss Brian Laws would probably agree with that.

Not many managers lose their first six matches of the season and hang on to their jobs, but in an eventful start to this campaign, that is exactly what Laws has done.

"It wouldn't have been a shock to anybody if the club had pulled the plug," Laws told BBC Sport.

"It's embarrassing to be involved in a start like we had. It had a huge effect on everyone here.

"We could have crumbled, but the players have responded and we've been on a really good run of form in the last few games."

That good form saw Wednesday thrash Southampton 5-0 at Hillsborough two weeks ago.

The result confirmed the team's recovery, and also went some way to repairing Laws' personal reputation.

"It shows people that I can stand up and be counted. If I can get through that I can get through anything," Laws said.

The board believed I could improve things and they gave me their support. That has been justified. Sheffield Wednesday boss Brian Laws

"I think we've certainly turned the corner, but I don't want anybody to forget those first six games. I don't want anybody to think it's all hunky-dory.

"The results have shown that the players have recovered. They will be better for it, and the experience they have gained is valuable. You only learn through mistakes and bad times.

"But it's been a big lesson for us. If we keep it at the back of our minds, it will help us focus and ensure we don't get ourselves into a situation like that again."

The fact that Laws is still in his job is almost as remarkable as the turnaround he has overseen.

Football clubs are not usually noted for their patience, least of all Sheffield Wednesday, who have hired and fired coaches with monotonous regularity since dropping out of the Premier League in 2000.

But this time it seems things are different. Earlier this season, while fellow Championship strugglers Crystal Palace, QPR, Norwich and Preston all made managerial changes, the Wednesday board held their nerve. They decided to stick with Laws, and must surely now be glad that they did.

"The history of Sheffield Wednesday is atrocious when it comes to sacking managers, but it's probably a lesson that the club has learned" Laws said. "The board believed I could improve things and they gave me their support. That has been justified.

"It's so easy to sack the manager. The others who lost their jobs recently in the Championship probably went for less. Maybe this proves that sacking the manager is not the answer.

"We had a great run of results at the end of last season and you don't become a bad manager overnight. If you can show signs you can turn it around, then there is no reason the chairman and board can't resist the temptation to sack you, and show a bit of faith. My own faith in myself and my players hasn't wavered."

606: DEBATE What do you make of The Owls' rollercoaster start to the season?

Less than three weeks after denying their manager was close to being shown the door, Wednesday found themselves fending off the advances of Burnley, who were keen for Laws to replace their recently departed boss Steve Cotterill.

As an illustration of the fickle nature of football, it was one of the more bizarre examples. Laws recognises this. "It's a stupid game at times. There's no sense to it," he said.

"Don't get me wrong, it gave me a huge lift that other people outside Sheffield Wednesday were interested in me and think I'm doing a good job.

"The club refused Burnley permission to speak to me, which is fine, as it tells me that Wednesday want me to stay. It's refreshing to see that, and it gives you a boost if your club is happy with you."

Laws is clearly very keen to make amends for presiding over the worst opening to a season in Sheffield Wednesday's history.

And as Sunderland proved so spectacularly last season, it is possible to put a terrible start behind you, storm through the Championship and reach the Premier League.

Laws accepts The Owls are no longer in a position to compete financially with the top teams in their division, but still believes his side can eventually make a challenge for promotion.

"You should never say never. If we maintained this form, it would give us a hell of a chance. It would be a remarkable achievement to continue like this because we are currently averaging two points a game.

"Many people will tell you, that gets you promotion. But to actually achieve it would be a very tall order."