Sheffield Wednesday: Barry Bannan return doubters questioned - 'I just don't know why' | OneFootball

FLW's Sheffield Wednesday fan pundit has given his verdict on the potential return to the club of Barry Bannan

Sheffield Wednesday are planning for life back in League One after a difficult campaign.

The Owls went into administration in October, and it wasn’t until this month that David Storch was able to complete his takeover of the club.

The American is the main figurehead of Arise Capital, which also includes his son Michael, as well as Tom Costin, who have taken over from Dejphon Chansiri.

Henrik Pedersen is set to remain in charge as head coach, with David Bruce coming in as CEO in what is set to be a busy summer of change at Hillsborough.

The Yorkshire outfit will be looking to rebuild the first team squad for next season, with their sights set on trying to compete for promotion back to the Championship.

And one potential move could be to bring Barry Bannan back to the first team squad, with it being reported that Millwall are open to letting him depart the Den this summer.

Barry Bannan would be a welcome boost for Sheffield Wednesday

When asked about the potential return of Bannan to the club, FLW’s Sheffield Wednesday fan pundit Patrick McKenna claimed that he would love to see the midfielder return after his departure in January.

He is unsure why any supporter would think otherwise, suggesting experienced players will be needed as part of the rebuild and nobody fits the bill better than the 36-year-old.

“The prospect of having Bannan back at Sheffield Wednesday next season, that is something that I would absolutely love to see,” McKenna told Football League World.

“I do struggle to understand why people are trying to convince themselves that the return of Bannan wouldn’t be a good thing.

“He just would be a class above in that division, he would be a fantastic option for us.

“Nobody is envisaging him coming back and starting 46 games and being the central player, but just to have someone like Bannan to turn to would be brilliant.

“And if you look at what we’ve had to turn to this season on the bench, it’s been meagre.

“To have a player of his quality there when the game is in the balance or when we’re struggling and we need something — and of course there will be games that Bannan will start as well.

“As well, the fact that he’s a legend at the club, and he’s obviously very well liked and respected by players and non-playing staff at the club.

“So, obviously, in this rebuild there does need to be a focus on youth, we do need players with re-sale value.

“It’s still a squad game, and we don’t have a rebuild without experience, and we do need a few experienced players.

“And for the life of me, I don’t know why Sheffield Wednesday fans wouldn’t want Bannan to be one of the experienced players in this rebuild.”

Bannan initially joined Sheffield Wednesday in 2015, and he cemented his legacy as a modern club legend during his stint at Hillsborough.

He made 477 appearances for the Owls before making the switch to Millwall during the January market as a result of the financial uncertainty surrounding the team.

But a return could now be on the cards following the end of the campaign, although the midfielder has a contract with Alex Neil’s side for another 12 months.

Sheffield Wednesday will be hoping to bolster the first team squad for life in League One, and Bannan could be a key part of their summer business.

He was a part of the Lions squad that earned a third place finish in the Championship this season.

However, a 2-0 loss to Hull City in the play-offs ended the London outfit’s hopes of earning promotion, and could now open the door for his exit from the club.

Barry Bannan return would be fantastic start for Sheffield Wednesday

Bannan was a massively popular member of the first team squad during his time at Sheffield Wednesday, and he is a modern legend of the club.

Bringing him back would be a no-brainer move for the Owls if they can get it done this summer.

He could be a valuable source of experience for what is likely to be a younger squad, and he has shown this year that he is still a Championship calibre player.

If Millwall are happy to let him go back to Hillsborough, then it would be a great start to their summer business under the new owners in what could be a very busy period of upheaval in the team.