Barry Bannan words are cause for serious Sheffield Wednesday concern: View | OneFootball

After an incredibly bad start to the season, Danny Rohl and his Sheffield Wednesday squad deserve huge credit for the position they find themselves in, with survival a possibility.

The final five games of the campaign are huge for the Owls as they bid to preserve their Championship status, and it’s a time when everyone needs to be pulling in the same direction.

Sheffield Wednesday contracts expiring in 2024

However, one potential distraction for Wednesday is the number of players in the squad that are out of contract in the summer.

Whilst we would never suggest that any of the group won’t be fully committed during the run-in, it can create uncertainty, and even if it means a player drops their level by 1%, it can make a difference when you’re battling to stay up, and you need all the little things to go your way.

Barry Bannan questions Sheffield Wednesday’s approach

Skipper Barry Bannan is one of those facing an uncertain future, and he has spoken honestly about how he could be playing his final games for a club that is so close to his heart.

Crucially though, Bannan also admitted it wasn’t a ‘nice situation’ for his team-mates to be in, with the group having conversations about it, and he urged the club to make sure they aren’t in a similar position in the years to come.

It may be hard for some fans to accept, but like all who have jobs, not knowing where you will be in a few months can be difficult.

Plus, the players will be well aware that dropping to League One is going to impact the club significantly when it comes to finances, so staying in the second tier may be imperative for them to get a new deal.

On one hand, some will say that’s a positive, as it means they will be giving their all during the run-in to keep Wednesday up and to earn an extension.

Yet, it can also add pressure to an already tense position. At this time of the season, you want players playing at their best level, and some may not be able to find their form, knowing how much is at stake from a personal perspective. It can be an unwelcome distraction.

Sheffield Wednesday’s summer plans

Of course, clubs up and down the country will have players running out of contract, but the issue for Wednesday is the number they have.

Right now, they obviously can’t enter discussions with players, because there’s so much uncertainty.

The financial implications of relegation are clear, and there will also be doubts about the future of Rohl if the Yorkshire side finish in the bottom three.

Yet, no matter what happens, it seems Wednesday are going to have some massive decisions to make, and in an ideal world it would be Rohl leading the rebuild.

The German boss has worked wonders at Hillsborough, and his connection with the fans is something that Wednesday will hope to develop in the years to come. In a time of crisis due to some decisions by owner Dejphon Chansiri, Rohl has offered hope for a brighter future.

So, we will wait to see how the season plays out, but, moving forward, Bannan’s words of warning must be listened to.