‘The wait is over’ proclaimed The Owls media team as the biggest ‘will they, won’t they’ since Ross and Rachel resulted in Sheffield Wednesday finally landing the signature of exciting attacker Mallik Wilks.
Wilks, 23, comes in with some real League One pedigree having bagged 19 goals and 8 assists the last time he was at this level as he helped Hull City win the 202/21 third tier title. Since then, the forward’s career on Humberside peated out to a disappointing end after failing to continue his form in the Championship but will be confident he can rediscover his best football back in the division below with Wednesday and with time on his side who’s to say Wilks can’t go on to become a dangerous player at a higher level.
Things began at Elland Road for Wilks who made just a single FA Cup appearance for Leeds before an impressive loan spell at Doncaster Rover scoring 14 League One goals in 46 games, led the attacker to a move to Barnsley. Just one goal at Oakwell before being exiled from the Reds squad and moved on to Hull City in January 2020 where Wilks was able to find his feet again and become a key part in the Tigers’ promotion the following season.
Now, coming to Hillsborough, Hull fans remain divided on their former player. Few supporters wishing Wilks well whilst many criticised the attacker for an attitude problem. No one can be 100% sure why Wilks’ Hull career ended so bitterly, whether there was a falling out with the coaching staff or just simply falling down the pecking order. However, any Wednesdayites sceptical about their new man based on Hull opinion should cast their minds back to the signing of Josh Windass. Now one of Darren Moore’s most influential forwards, Windass came to S6 with a damning reputation from Wigan fans who still actively berate their former player for supposed attitude issues at the DW.
So, what does Mallik Wilks bring on the pitch?
Well, firstly it’s a complete breath of fresh air for Wednesday’s forward options. A pacy, versatile, left-footed attacking player. Wilks can play on either wing, as a centre-forward or even just behind the striker giving The Owls some great attacking lineups. So far, Darren Moore has opted for the 3-5-2 formation this season and Wilks could slot in as one of the two up top. However, the Owls boss has suggested that he is not confined to that system and expects to change up Wednesday’s shape at points this season with this latest addition giving him even greater ability to do so.