How Barry Bannan and Liam Palmer reacted to Josh Windass leaving Sheffield Wednesday | OneFootball

Windass is now no longer an Owl, despite having his contract extended this summer.

Josh Windass is now a free agent after handing in his notice to Sheffield Wednesday following two months of non-payment from the club.

It was confirmed by the Owls that evening that both Windass and fellow attacker Michael Smith had mutually terminated their contracts with the club.

The two players handed in their notices to Wednesday, a move that they were both allowed to make as a result of not being paid their May or June wages, and now are no longer contracted to the club.

According to Joe Crann, Wednesday turned down offers from other clubs for the pair despite being aware of their intent to leave the club as free agents this summer. Now they have departed with no form of compensation heading their way - a really bad look for a club that has almost too many stains on its shirt to count at this point.

Barry Bannan and Liam Palmer react to Josh Windass' Sheffield Wednesday departure

Across a near five-year spell at Hillsborough, Windass played 182 games for the club and registered 76 combined goals and assists, including 18 last season. Now that he and Smith have left, none of Wednesday's top five scorers from last season are currently under contract with the club, for one reason or another.

The 31-year-old would have become a free agent earlier in the summer had the Owls not taken up an option to extend his contract by a further year. His goodbyes to the club's supporters may have ultimately been delayed, but they were certainly no less heartfelt.

"Wow. Five and a half seasons at this incredible football club, I can't explain just how much I have enjoyed playing for this club, representing the badge and the people of Sheffield," said Windass on Instagram.

"To the staff that have worked with me behind the scenes, to the players, and to the supporters - I can not thank you enough for the love and support you have given me during the time I have been here.

"I can categorically tell you without any hesitation that I have given 100% in every single day in training session and at every game. My goal is to always give supporters moments to remember when they go home from a game, and hopefully that is what I have done and I hope you remember me that way.

"I will never ever forget Sheffield Wednesday and for sure l'll be a fan for life.

"Thankyou again and hopefully I'll see you again soon."

Windass went through it all during his time with Wednesday, including scoring that header at Wembley in the final minute of added time to get the club back up to the Championship.

Two of the club's stalwarts, Barry Bannan and Liam Palmer, were alongside him throughout his tenure at Hillsborough. They have now had to bid a fond farewell to their now-former teammate.

"What a player and guy u will be missed a friend forever," said the club's Scottish captain, who is training with Wednesday despite not being under contract with them. Palmer also commented: "Been some ride brother."

Sheffield Wednesday's mission impossible survival task has just got even tougher

Wednesday, with their limited resources, now have two massive holes to plug in their squad because of the departures of Smith and Windass.

The team that Danny Rohl has to work with, if he remains as manager, which is very uncertain according to reports, is down to the bare bones. Preparations for next season have been hampered for a number of reasons, including the German not turning up on time for the start of pre-season. They also have no pre-season games planned.