'Can't wait' - Barry Bannan sends message to Sheffield Wednesday fans | OneFootball

Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Barry Bannan has shared a passionate message with fans ahead of the start of the 2026/27 season.

Sheffield Wednesday have overseen a major overhaul of their squad this summer as they prepare for their first full season under new ownership.

The mismanagement of Dejphon Chansiri left the club on the brink, but Arise Capital Partners finally completed their takeover of the Owls earlier this year.

Whilst that was a major relief to all connected to the club, they inherited a very weak Wednesday squad, even by League One standards. So, they have been aggressive in the market, with a host of new signings arriving to bolster Henrik Pedersen’s ranks.

Barry Bannan sends Sheffield Wednesday message ahead of 2026/27 season

There have been many eye-catching additions, but many would agree that the return of Barry Bannan is the biggest coup for Wednesday.

The former skipper, who is a legend at Hillsborough, left for Millwall in January after over a decade at the club, which saw him make nearly 500 appearances.

So, the chance to bring the midfielder back seemed like a no-brainer, and, even at 36, Bannan will be crucial to everything that Pedersen’s side do in League One this season.

And, whilst Wednesday’s pre-season ended with a 4-0 thumping at League Two Oldham, it hasn’t dampened the enthusiasm of their star man.

That’s after Bannan took to Instagram to send a message to supporters ahead of the new season, with Wednesday beginning their 2026/27 campaign with a home tie against Bolton in the League Cup.

“Pre-season done. Now into the real stuff, can’t wait. Thank you for your support and (the) reception was amazing. See you all (at) Hillsborough on Saturday. Let’s go.”

Barry Bannan will be a huge player for Sheffield Wednesday this season

It was no surprise to see Bannan given a great reception by the Wednesday fans, and the ovation he will receive on Saturday will be on another level entirely in front of the home supporters.

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Everyone at Wednesday recognises the loyalty he showed for the club during some very bleak days, and he always gave everything when he pulled on the blue-and-white shirt.

But, Bannan will know that he has been brought back with a job to do, and he will be crucial if the Owls are going to bounce back to the Championship at the first attempt.

Of course, that won’t be easy, as Pedersen is working with a brand new squad, and it takes time for players to understand each other, but there’s no denying that there is plenty of quality in the group.

That’s where having a figure like Bannan can help. He will drive standards in training, and he will be telling all the new recruits what it means to play for Sheffield Wednesday.

Obviously, he will also be hugely influential in implementing the style of play that the manager wants as well, because, despite his age, he remains a classy footballer, and he could still be playing in the Championship if you go on his performances last season.