Lee Gregory sends emotional message to Sheffield Wednesday supporters as EFL links emerge | OneFootball

Sheffield Wednesday striker Lee Gregory has penned an emotional message to Owls supporters in a social media post that appears to confirm he is leaving the Yorkshire club.

The experienced striker became a fan favourite at Hillsborough during the club's recent spell in League One after joining from Stoke City on a free transfer in August 2021, months after Wednesday suffered relegation.

There are still a plethora of players within Danny Rohl's squad whose futures in S6 remain uncertain, including the likes of fellow stalwarts Barry Bannan, Dominic Iorfa, and Liam Palmer, but Gregory has finally broken his silence to the dedicated supporters as his time at his hometown club comes to an end.

Lee Gregory's emotional message to Sheffield Wednesday supporters

Having not been active on X/Twitter for quite some time, the 35-year-old finally clocked back on to the social media platform to issue a statement to the fans about his immediate future, having not featured in a matchday squad since a 1-minute cameo against Cardiff City on December 23rd.

"I have not been on this for quite some time now," Gregory began. "But I just wanted to say personally, from the bottom of my heart, thank you to everybody at SWFC."

"This past year has not been what I wanted and how I wanted my career here to finish, I have been gutted about it and wish it was different as everyone who knows me knows all I wanted to do was play," he continued.

"I am so happy the team stayed up because you all deserve it."

Gregory then referenced some of the best moments from his three years at the club, as well as the connection his son has built with the club.

"I have had some of the best memories a footballer can get at this club with the promotion last year and that will stay with me forever."

"The game at home against Peterborough was the best atmosphere I have ever seen and been involved in," the striker added.

He concluded: "I will be seeing you soon at Hillsborough as my son - who's now a massive fan - wants to watch all the games. Thank you. #SWFC #9"

Lee Gregory's Sheffield Wednesday career

In the three years at his hometown club, Gregory has been through almost every single emotion.

He netted 16 goals in 36 League One appearances in the 2021/22 season, as well as a goal in the play-off semi-finals against Sunderland, where Wednesday were dramatically defeated late on.

Whilst his goal output in all competitions decreased last term, Gregory was still a key player under Darren Moore, netting ten goals in the regular season, as well as starting the remarkable comeback at home to Peterborough last May, before assisting Josh Windass' winning goal in the play-off final at Wembley.

The Sheffield-born striker then scored the first goal upon the club's return to the Championship in the 2-1 opening day defeat to Southampton, which would prove to be his last goal in the Blue and White, making 13 second tier appearances in 2023/24.

However, as he referenced, this season hasn't exactly gone to plan from a personal point of view, having been omitted from the 25-man squad by Rohl in January, as the German vacated three places to potential free agent signings.

Whilst any of Gregory, Juan Delgado, and Callum Paterson could have been re-registered, none of them were, meaning it was expected the striker would move on at the conclusion of the season.

Trio of clubs interested in Lee Gregory

Whilst the former Millwall man will no doubt feel sadness at departing Sheffield Wednesday, there is already interest from a trio of clubs.

That's according to the Sheffield Star, who reported on Monday that a trio of clubs within the EFL are looking to bolster their attacking ranks with his services after his current deal runs out on June 30th.

No clubs have been named yet, but for teams in League One, there are worse options than having the chance to sign an experienced goal-getter for next to nothing.