“Understand it” - Sheffield Wednesday, Danny Rohl backed over tough call as contract runs down | OneFootball

Liam Palmer faces an uncertain Sheffield Wednesday future having entered the final year of his contract.

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...

Sheffield Wednesday’s Liam Palmer faces an uncertain future at the club having entered the final year of his deal.

The versatile 33-year-old came through the ranks at Hillsborough and he has gone on to make over 400 appearances for the Owls.

Palmer has featured regularly under Danny Rohl, which included playing a role in their remarkable survival in the previous campaign. That contribution saw the Scotland international rewarded with a new deal in the summer, but his contract is expiring in 2025.

Liam Palmer looking to earn new Sheffield Wednesday contract

Therefore, Palmer will be hoping to earn a new contract, and whilst this is not a pressing issue for the player or the club, it’s something they will have to address before the end of the season.

And, when asked by FLW whether Wednesday should offer Palmer a new deal, fan pundit Patrick acknowledged it was a tough call, as he talked up the connection the player has with the club.

He said: “That is a very difficult question, I’ve got to admit.

“He is a player I have great affection for, he is very well thought of at the club. He will have his testimonial in the summer, so he’s long-serving, he has given a lot and he has been through a lot with the club over the years.

“There will forever be that goal against Peterborough, an utterly iconic moment in our history that I must have rewatched about 200 times!

“He is also a good influence in the dressing room, he is a more senior player and that is useful. If every season you are bringing in new players who need to be welcomed, it can be tough, so on a community level he is a great asset.”

However, he acknowledged that on the pitch matters would take priority, and he backed Rohl to make the right call, even if it would be difficult.

He said: “There’s a lot to be said that way, but, of course, the cold, hard decision will be down to Rohl, and, truthfully, at this stage, he is a squad player. I think the likes of Valentin and Valery will be ahead of him talent-wise, but we do need squad players, as it’s a long, hard season.

“We’re a club that is never without injuries, and he has also been an adaptable player for us. He can play right-back, centre-back, he has stepped into central midfield when needed, but Rohl may think in the summer that he wants someone younger, and if he decides to replace Palmer, it’s fair enough.

“Maybe a compromise would be to extend him by another year. As a fan, I would love Palmer to stay around, but as I’ve alluded to it’s a hard decision for the manager to make, and I would be disappointed if he didn’t get an extension, but I would understand it.”

Sheffield Wednesday building a bright future under Danny Rohl

Ultimately, Palmer still has a role to play for Wednesday, and the fact he has featured regularly this season shows that the manager remains a big fan.

As outlined above, the experienced defender also brings benefits off the pitch, so it would be a surprise, as of now, if the Owls didn’t keep Palmer around for at least another year.

But, this isn’t a major concern right now, and there’s plenty of football to play this season, meaning a decision is likely to be made at some point next year.

Palmer clearly loves the club, but his only focus will be on helping the team this season, and he will be enjoying playing a part under Rohl, as it’s clear that Wednesday are a club on the up under his guidance.