Barry Bannan clearly loves Sheffield Wednesday as midfielder drops social update | OneFootball

Barry Bannan still has a strong affinity with Sheffield Wednesday

Barry Bannan has shared his affection for Sheffield Wednesday in one of his latest social media posts.

The Millwall midfielder spent 10-and-a-half years with the Owls before joining the Lions in the winter transfer window, amid the South Yorkshire club's previous financial struggles.

Wednesday were rescued from administration by David Storch's Arise Capital Partners consortium in May, and are moving in the right direction again.

The Owls are keen to win promotion from League One at the first time of asking, but have plenty of work to do in the transfer market, having lost several key players in the last two windows.

Barry Bannan makes emotional Sheffield Wednesday admission

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Bannan made 16 Championship appearances for Millwall last term after leaving Wednesday, but didn't start in either of the Lions' play-off semi-final clashes with Hull City.

Alex Neil's men lost the second leg 2-0 to eventual promotion winners Hull.

Meanwhile, according to the Sheffield Star, Bannan is closing in on a Wednesday return, which will bolster their chances of winning promotion back to the Championship.

The 36-year-old previously helped the Owls return to the second tier when he notched seven goals and 13 assists during the 2022/23 League One season.

On Sunday, a mural of Bannan was unveiled at a pub called The Park in Hillsborough, and the midfielder went to visit the site with his family.

The former Scotland international took to his Instagram story to share a photo of himself and his family at the mural, alongside the caption: "Best Father's Day gift ever shared with the best people."

Bannan's post demonstrates the affection he still has for the Owls amid the news that he is set to return to Hillsborough Stadium ahead of next season.

Wednesday will receive their League One fixture list later this week, and the task of taking on third-tier opponents will be easier if the Millwall man goes back to South Yorkshire.

Wednesday supporter excitement builds amid Barry Bannan return news

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Wednesday supporters have endured plenty of bad news over the last 12 months, before Storch's takeover, as former key players like Josh Windass left Hillsborough last summer.

Failed owner Dejphon Chansiri, who had already failed to pay staff and player wages on time, subsequently plunged the Owls into administration.

The South Yorkshire outfit's relegation from the Championship was subsequently confirmed in February, as they were deducted 18 points by the EFL.

However, more good news is now coming to Hillsborough following Storch's takeover, and supporters are enthused by the latest Bannan developments.

Taking to X, one Wednesday supporter said: "He's coming home, he's coming home, Barry Bannan is coming back to Hillsborough."

Another excited Owls fan commented: "Lamine Yamal wears Barry Bannan pyjamas."

Another member of the Wednesday faithful said: "He has to be coming back!", which is a sentiment shared by another X user who added: "Surely he’s re-signing now."

Henrik Pedersen's side have already strengthened their squad by signing defender Ricardo Santos from Swansea City, showing Storch's ambition.

The defender previously proved his worth in League One when plying his trade for Bolton Wanderers, and should be a solid presence in Pedersen's backline.

However, Wednesday supporters are rightly more excited by the prospect of Bannan's return, as the midfielder has already given them over a decade of exemplary service.