Barry Bannan reacts in 3 words to Sheffield Wednesday development on Tuesday night | OneFootball

Di'Shon Bernard made his long-awaited return to Sheffield Wednesday action on Tuesday night and Barry Bannan has reacted

Sheffield Wednesday kicked off their Jersey Mike's Trophy campaign with a hard-fought win at Salford City, but a much-anticipated return overshadowed the action on the pitch.

Indeed, Di'Shon Bernard made his first senior appearance for the Owls since February 8th, 2025, in a game against West Brom. They were just three points off the Championship play-offs then — a lot has changed since.

Not only has it been a difficult time off the field for the Hillsborough-based side, but for the former Manchester United academy centre-back, who missed 19 months with a knee injury.

Bernard played an hour as Henrik Pedersen's side came from behind to win in what was a typical game of two halves at the AIG Stadium, and while those associated with the club were happy to pick up the three points, they were happier to see the 25-year-old back in action.

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There's been a lot of player turnover at Sheffield Wednesday over the last 19 months, but one of the few teammates who knew how much Bernard had worked to get back on the field is Barry Bannan.

The Owls legend spent a period away from Hillsborough in the second half of last season, but would still have kept in touch and checked in on his progress in his recovery. Then, when returning in the summer, he'd have witnessed first-hand the final stages of his return.

Taking to his Instagram story, the 36-year-old celebrated Bernard's return to action, reposting Wednesday's line-up graphic with the caption "The big man👏👏👏."

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Bannan was given a much-needed rest from the action after a busy opening six weeks of the campaign, but would have been watching on in support not only of his team, but of Bernard too.

How Sheffield Wednesday fans reacted to Di'Shon Bernard's return to action

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Bannan wasn't the only person watching on with joy as Bernard made his return to the pitch. The whole Sheffield Wednesday fanbase was behind the Jamaican international on Tuesday night.

The reactions on X to the line-up announcement were very wholesome, with multiple "DISHON BERNARD OLE OLE's" being commented.

"Big dish is back baby!!!" another Wednesday fan commented, while a fourth added, "BERNARDDDDDD MY LIFE IS COMPLETE AGAIN."

There was, understandably, some hesitation about seeing him back, as is always the case when someone plays their first senior minutes after such a horrific, long-term injury.

Bernard is a much-loved figure among Owls supporters, and the potential of him going down with another issue on his return would have been a real gut-punch.

"I’m going to be an absolute nervous wreck checking the updates, panicking whenever Bernard’s name pops up on the screen," one fan added, while another said, "Hope they’ve not thrown Bernard in too early here!"

Di'Shon Bernard's return will be a big plus for Sheffield Wednesday ahead of a long League One season

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Bernard wasted no time getting busy upon his return. In the hour of action, he made 11 defensive contributions and completed 28 of his 31 passes.

It's still unknown what level he'll bring to this new-look Sheffield Wednesday side in League One. However, nearly two years ago, he was recognised as a promising young centre-back in an upper mid-table Championship side.

If he can get even close to that level in the coming months, Henrik Pedersen's side will be boosted massively in defence, and with his ball-playing, he should improve the squad as they take on sides who set up without the ball.

Nevertheless, though, Wednesday fans are just happy to see him back on the pitch. It's been a long road to recovery, felt alongside the Owls supporters, and they can share in his pride at his long-awaited return.