Exclusive: Sheffield Wednesday boosted by "massive plus" with Max Lowe news | OneFootball

The Owls appear to have held on to one of their key assets amid off-field disruption

Sheffield Wednesday defender Max Lowe has reportedly opted to remain at Hillsborough Stadium amid ownership issues at the club.

The Owls are in a difficult position, having missed the payment of wages for three months in a row before clearing the backlog of owed money.

Lowe was one of the players to hand in their notice last month amid the turmoil, but BBC Radio Sheffield have now reported the left-back has decided to remain at the club.

We asked Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman how big a boost that is for the Owls, under new boss Hemrik Pederson.

Prime Lowe is a big retention for Wednesday

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Goodman said: “Max Lowe agreeing to stay would be a massive boost to Sheffield Wednesday.

“Obviously, defensively, when you had a look, they had to play two really young lads against Bolton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup, saving the legs, obviously, for the Championship games.

“They need points on the board. Obviously, they are many people's favourites to be relegated, and I think we can all understand the reasons for that.

“So, keeping your experienced players, Max Lowe is 28 years old, in the prime of his physical and mental self and the prime of his career, and absolutely a massive plus to be able to keep him.”

The Owls could have been in big trouble without Lowe

It’s difficult to overstate how important retaining Lowe could turn out to be for Wednesday.

The club only have two out-and-out left-backs at the moment, with Lowe deputised by 19-year-old Reece Johnson, who made the first senior appearance of his career this season in the Carabao Cup, netting his first goal on his debut.

The story in that position is repeated throughout the pitch, the Owls having to promote academy players to fill in gaps in their squad, so keeping a senior figure like Lowe around is a huge boost.

It is also a crucial retention because it means that the club don’t need to go out and seek a replacement, which would have been difficult with the Owls still under a fee restriction until 2027, limiting recruitment to loans and free agents.

Lowe staying will increase bond with Wednesday faithful

Much like club captain Barry Bannan’s decision to remain at the Yorkshire club as, Lowe staying when the chips are down for the Owls and relegation looks a distinct possibility will be remembered by the fans in the stands.

In the prime of his career, the left-back would have been snapped up by another club on a free transfer, but instead he’s committed some of his best years to a club with an uncertain future.

If that doesn’t show how much he cares, nothing will.

Acts like that are what fans hold onto in difficult times, and should Wednesday get out of the other side of this crisis unscathed, he will be rightly celebrated for his contribution.