Sheffield Wednesday told ex-Bournemouth man needs to "step up" - League One claim made | OneFootball

Sheffield Wednesday have triggered an option to extend Jamal Lowe's contract despite his poor form in front of goal this season.

Sheffield Wednesday are preparing for life in League One next season, when they will hope to be under new ownership.

The proposed takeover by the Storch family is the only concern for all connected to the Owls right now, and there is a belief that it will be finalised in a matter of weeks.

Then, the hard work will really start for the new owners, as they are inheriting a group that has endured a terrible season, and the squad is still lacking depth and quality, even by third tier standards.

So, you would expect a major overhaul to take place, and Wednesday are sure to be active in the market, although they are likely to be working under restrictions.

Sheffield Wednesday extend Jamal Lowe’s stay at Hillsborough

The South Yorkshire club are already making decisions ahead of next season, as it was revealed that Wednesday have extended Jamal Lowe’s contract, which was initially due to expire this summer.

Whilst the 12-month option doesn’t mean he will definitely stick around, it does ensure he can’t leave on a free. but there will be an expectation that Lowe is part of the group for the 2026/27 campaign.

Yet, the call to keep Lowe has divided opinion among the Owls supporters, as it’s fair to say that the 31-year-old has had a difficult season.

Of course, it has been a difficult period for everyone, but Lowe’s return of four goals in 39 games isn’t too impressive.

Therefore, when asked by FLW whether this was the right move by the club, Sheffield Wednesday fan pundit Patrick McKenna admitted he expected more from the ex-Swansea man, as he urged him to take the opportunities that come his way next season.

“I think maybe two seasons ago you would’ve been justified in thinking that he would be taken on in the Championship rather than looking at League One football, but he has played quite a lot for us this season, and he has been quite poor." Mckenna said.

The Fan Pundit added, “I don’t think there would be many Championship clubs looking at him, so it’s quite possible he will stick around. If he is, he really needs to step up and take the chance. He has got a few goals for us this season, but, overall, he hasn’t hit the heights you thought he would.

“But, a fresh start in League One could be to the benefit of both parties. If he gets a few goals, his confidence comes back, and we see the player that hasn’t really emerged in his time at Hillsborough so far.”

Jamal Lowe could become a big player for Sheffield Wednesday in League One

It has been a really tough season for Sheffield Wednesday, so it feels harsh to criticise the players, particularly the attackers, as there’s no denying they’re not getting quality service.

But, many would agree that Lowe’s form hasn’t been as good as they expected, although that doesn’t mean he can’t be a key figure for Henrik Pedersen’s side next season.

The Jamaica international has spent the bulk of his career in the Championship, but he has experienced the lower leagues, so it won’t be anything new to him.

Lowe’s ability to play in different attacking positions will be crucial next season, and, given his age, he will have a lot of know-how to pass on to the younger players in the group.

Like all players in the final third, he will be judged on goals and assists, but in a new-look Sheffield Wednesday team, there’s no reason why Lowe can’t rediscover the excellent form he had shown earlier in his career.