Sheffield Wednesday 'delighted' verdict offered over Barry Bannan decision - Owls urged against 'romantic' idea | OneFootball

FLW’s Sheffield Wednesday fan pundit has discussed Barry Bannan’s decision to continue playing along with his future ambition to become Owls manager.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

If one player epitomised loyalty, it would be Barry Bannan for his continued service to Sheffield Wednesday.

The Scotsman will undoubtedly go down as an Owls legend through his 10-year association with the club so far, sticking by the Yorkshire outfit in tough times.

Throughout his stint, the 35-year-old has been an ever-present figure in the Wednesday team both in the Championship and League One.

Amassing over 450 appearances for Wednesday, Bannan has been a pivotal player in helping the Owls reach the play-offs in the Championship back in 2017, while also helping to drag the club back to the second tier after a remarkable turnaround in the play-off semi-final against Peterborough United in 2023.

With his wand of a left foot, he’s still showcasing the immense quality he possesses, and Owls fans will always be grateful that he's stood by the club in its darkest days.

After a summer of turmoil at Sheffield Wednesday which involved transfer embargoes and unpaid player wages, Bannan was subject to much speculation about whether he would depart the club, but he instead penned a new contract at the beginning of August.

This level of leadership is why Bannan is so adored in the blue half of the Steel City, showing some players can still possess some grit and resilience when the going gets tough in the modern game.

The heartbeat in their central midfield, Wednesday supporters would have been delighted to hear Bannan believes he still has another two years of playing time left at least, while he has reiterated his desire to occupy the Hillsborough dugout one day as a manager, as he is set to begin his A License coaching badges at the start of 2026.

Speaking to and reported by The Times, Bannan said: “I reckon I’ve got two or three seasons left in me, so hopefully I’m here for at least a good [period at the] start of the new ownership and beyond that, and when it comes to the day I retire, I’d love to always be involved in this club, whether that be in coaching or the academy.

“My dream is to become a manager one day and, obviously, the place I’d want to do it is here.”

With this news in mind, Football League World's Sheffield Wednesday fan pundit has reacted to the news of Bannan extending his playing days and his thoughts on his desire to be Owls manager one day.

Sheffield Wednesday delight at Barry Bannan playing decision but doubt cast over Owls managerial role

Speaking to Football League World, Sheffield Wednesday fan pundit Patrick McKenna believes the whole fanbase will be delighted with the news that Bannan wants to continue playing for another two years at least, but fears him moving into a future managerial role at Hillsborough could tarnish the legendary status he’s built for himself on the pitch.

Patrick said: “As a Sheffield Wednesday fan, it’s great news that Barry Bannan thinks there are a few years left in him. I think that is the view of the whole fanbase that Barry certainly isn’t done yet.

“If he’s keen to play on for years, the whole fanbase would be delighted if he would, and in our minds, he’s got a place in our team until his legs give up completely.

“I’m not surprised he would have aspirations to manage in the future, but I don’t think it’s something I would like to see, as there’s no guarantee a great player makes a great manager, it’s just not that simple, and the last thing I’d ever want is for Bannan to be our manager and for it to all go wrong.

“If we ended up sacking him and ended up with bad memories of Barry Bannan, it would be a shame because he’s a guy that’s given us so many good memories, while, as a football club, we haven’t had much luck with ex-players managing us to degrees of success, you know you have to look at Danny Wilson.

“While it’s a romantic idea, I don’t think it’s one we should do.”

Sheffield Wednesday, Barry Bannan managerial concerns are understandable

On the pitch, this news will have Sheffield Wednesday supporters grinning from ear to ear, with Bannan surely set to be just as influential for the next two years at least.

Wednesday are very likely to be in League One next term, so Bannan will be a crucial player to ensure the Owls return to the Championship as quickly as possible.

His affiliation as a player will likely see him land the managerial role in the future, but supporters like Patrick are justified to be concerned that it may not all go according to plan.

As the territory comes with being a manager, he will be the figure to take the blame if results don’t go in the right direction, and it will be a great shame to see supporters turn on him should this situation come to fruition.

Bannan would extend his legacy at Wednesday