Tony Pulis issues exciting Barry Bannan verdict Sheffield Wednesday fans will love | OneFootball

Tony Pulis has discussed the importance of bringing Barry Bannan back to Sheffield Wednesday

Tony Pulis has tipped Barry Bannan to dictate the tempo for Sheffield Wednesday following his return to the club.

The midfielder spent 10-and-a-half years at Hillsborough before signing for Millwall last January amid the club’s financial issues.

The Owls went into administration last October, which played a significant role in the midfielder’s exit.

However, he has returned following the takeover of the Yorkshire outfit by Arise Capital, who have overseen several first team additions this summer.

Sheffield Wednesday will be hoping to return to a competitive level next season after they finished bottom of the Championship table under Henrik Pedersen.

The Dane has overhauled the squad during the transfer window, and will have his sights set on guiding the club towards a promotion push as soon as possible.

Tony Pulis backs Barry Bannan to excel in League One again

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Pulis has claimed that bringing Bannan back to Hillsborough is a massive boost for the team as they prepare for life in League One again, highlighting how well he performed at this level previously.

The former Sheffield Wednesday boss believes that the midfielder will be a standout performer and will run rings around opposition teams next season.

“Having Barry Bannan involved again is a massive boost,” said Pulis, via The Star.

“The Sheffield Wednesday supporters absolutely idolise him, and understandably so after everything he has given to the club over the years.

“I think the fans were naturally disappointed to see him go, so they will be absolutely thrilled to have a player of his calibre back in the squad.

“At League One level, his quality, vision, and composure on the ball are going to stand out massively.

“He has so much class and technical ability that I fully expect him to dictate games from midfield and run rings around opposition teams throughout the season.”

Barry Bannan’s importance to Sheffield Wednesday

Bannan was a key part of the Sheffield Wednesday squad during his first stint with the club, even becoming captain in his final six months with the team.

The midfielder is likely to play a significant role in Pedersen's side in the upcoming campaign as well, with the Owls targeting a return to the Championship.

Bannan featured 28 times in the second tier for the Yorkshire outfit last season before making the move to Millwall, contributing three goals and three assists.

The 36-year-old helped the Lions earn a play-off place, with Alex Neil’s side losing to Hull City in the semi-finals after coming third in the table.

The former Crystal Palace player made his return to Hillsborough earlier this summer following Millwall’s failure to gain promotion.

His return sparked a lot of positivity from supporters for the year ahead, with Arise Capital looking to turn things around after taking over the club from Dejphon Chansiri.

Bannan is one of several additions to the squad this summer, with other arrivals including Louie Barry, Jordi Liongola, Callum Slattery, Billy Mitchell and Mason Burstow, among others.

Sheffield Wednesday have until 1 September to complete any remaining transfer business before the market shuts.

Barry Bannan will bring quality back to Sheffield Wednesday

Even in a squad that struggled to compete in the Championship last year, Bannan stood out as their top star.

It is obvious that he could still compete at a second division level at 36, so he should bring a high level of quality back to Hillsborough for life in League One.

It could be a difficult start to the season for Pedersen’s side as they’ve brought in so many new players and it can take time for them all to gel.

But Bannan will help with this transition given how well he already knows the club, the level of quality that he possesses and the leadership quality that he will bring to the dressing room, even if he is no longer the designated club captain.