The 1997-98 campaign was a turbulent season of dashed hopes and defensive fragility for Sheffield Wednesday, as The Owls ultimately secured a nervy 16th-place finish in the Premier League. The summer arrival of the electric Italian Paolo Di Canio had raised expectations for a European challenge, and he delivered by top-scoring with 12 league goals. However, a dismal run of form saw manager David Pleat sacked following a heavy 6-1 defeat to Manchester United, leading to the short-term return of club icon Ron Atkinson to steer the club away from a catastrophic relegation. The season remains a chapter of high drama and a desperate, successful fight for top-flight survival.