The Owls suffered a terrible opening to the last campaign in losing their opening six matches, but ensured their Championship survival on the final day with a 4-1 hammering of Norwich.

And Spurr believes the experiences of last year can be harnessed as he and the club adopt a positive approach and look to set their sights high this season.

Although they have enjoyed mixed fortunes to the opening this season, Spurr certainly doesn't see any parallels between this one and last year, where the side were being written-off after finding themselves anchored to the foot of the table following that disastrous start.

"Last season's start was terrible," he admitted.
"It effectively became a 40-game season for us. But we learnt a lot from it.

"We had a better pre-season with a good tour to Holland which gave the likes of James O'Connor and Jimmy Smith the chance to settle in and the team spirit is fantastic at the moment.

"We had a dream start to the season (with the win over Burnley), it was a real big high and we even had a good first half at Wolves but we know we let ourselves down at times.

"But we're creating chances and managing to score goals, which is a positive."

What is certain for Wednesday is they know that if they can put together a good run at the start of the season and gain some momentum then a play-off berth could be a realistic aim.

Spurr agrees, and sees plenty of reasons to be positive at present, saying : "Our aim is to push hard and we're looking to finish as high as possible."

Spurr says there is great team spirit that exists in the camp as evidence of this, although he is careful not to look to get too far ahead of himself, cautioning against over-optimism.

"We are really only focusing on one game at a time.

"We can't afford to get too carried away as we don't have a big squad and have suffered a couple of injuries to key players such as Akpo Sodje already".

The number of injuries that have hit the squad so far this season have even forced manager Brian Laws to scour the market for new signings before the transfer window closes as Wednesday hope to avoid the problems which plagued them throughout last season.

With Richard Hinds now on the long term injury list, Laws moved quickly this week to bring in young Middlesbrough full-back Tony McMahon on an initial one month loan deal to bolster his defensive options.

Garforth-born Spurr came through the ranks at Hillsborough, winning the Academy player of the season award in 2004/05.

Although he still only 21-years-old, he is close to clocking up 100 appearance for the Owls and despite last seasons struggles it was a real breakthrough season for the youngster as he was a virtual ever-present alongside other homegrown talents such as Richard Wood and Mark Beevers.

He turned in displays that earned high praise from Brian Laws for the way the he and the whole defensive unit performed under immense pressure.

Spurr is a level-header leader, tall, athletic and given his strength in the air it is not impossible to imagine that he may end up in a more central role further down the line in his career development.

But for now he is more than happy to continue in the left back role which he has now made his own with a series of impressive displays since becoming a regular in the side.

"I'm feeling comfortable at left back and feel that's my position, but ever the team man, Spurr would be happy to fit in elsewhere should the situation demand it.

An indication of the undoubted promise shown by Spurr since emerging in the first team was indicated with a bid from big spenders QPR in January.

It was a bid that Wednesday summarily dismissed, and whilst Spurr ultimately has Premier League ambitions, he couldn't be happier to have remained at the club.

And with both him and Wednesday putting last season firmly behind them and aiming high this season, Spurr sees no reason why he would want to be anywhere else as he seeks to continue developing.


"I'm more than happy (to be at Wednesday). "I'm a lad who came through the Academy and last season was a real breakthrough for me" said Spurr.

"I'm really pleased to be involved in the side and felt that I am continuing to learn all the time."