Terry Pierce - Wednesday are in far better shape than Palace

Published: 04 May 2010 - 14:26:27

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It's very difficult to write about anything other than Sunday's relegation showdown at Hillsborough, and while Sheffield Wednesday fans spent yesterday crying into their Bank Holiday beers, their pain should only be short-lived compared to Crystal Palace.

The spectacle was one of sheer passion, commitment and honour, and the players from both sides should be congratulated, along with the majority of the huge crowd.

The atmosphere was incredible, and despite it boiling over at times - particularly on the final whistle - it is important to recognise the part that all bar a few of the fans played.

As the final whistle went and the Wednesday players crumbled to the floor, it was hard not to feel sorry for them.

However, they will head into the League One season favourites to bounce straight back. They've got immense support, a good manager and a new chairman who seems to have something about him, even if it isn't cold, hard cash.

The future for their conquerors yesterday is not so bright.

They may have secured their Championship spot, but whether they will actually be there come August is an entirely different matter.

Mounting debts, a wage bill that is 90% of their turnover and a merky ground situation all add to summer of doubt for Eagles fans.

Paul Hart, the most nomadic of managers, left his post within an hour of yesterday's final whistle, and could be followed out of the door by any player with a resale value.

With no money to replace those leaving the successful youth system at Selhurst Park will be heavily relied on, and another season of struggle lies ahead.

This time next year, Palace will be in the same position at best - at worst they won't exist.

The Owls, on the other hand, should have more than enough about them to find their way back to the Championship at the first attempt if they avoid the big-club arrogance displayed by Leeds over the last couple of seasons.

Loopy League Two

Former Conference sides Morecambe, Dagenham & Redbridge and Aldershot all occupy a play-off spot in League Two going into the final weekend, and all should be congratulated for superb seasons.

Their budgets, facilities and squads are some way behind the more illustrious names in the bottom tier but the likes of Bradford and Northampton will have to make do with another season on the lowest rung as the smaller, well-run clubs lead the way in the play-off battle.

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