Sheffield Wednesday decision to avoid “crazy” January sale starting to vindicate itself already: The verdict | OneFootball

This article is part of Football League World’s ‘The Verdict’ series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Sheffield Wednesday retained the service of Callum Paterson during the January transfer window.

The Sheffield Star note how Darren Moore was eager to retain the versatile forward, revealing a six-figure bid from Hearts for the 28-year-old was turned down.

That’s despite a contract that’s due to expire in the summer. In fact, it’s claimed that Sheffield Wednesday are now eager to tie Paterson down longer-term to prevent him from leaving for free at the end of the season.

A goal against Plymouth Argyle in the weekend’s 1-0 win is justifying that decision, which is backed up further by the three assists he notched in January amid the speculation.

Here, our writers discuss that justification in keeping the Scot around:

Ben Wignall

You only have to look at Paterson’s contribution against Plymouth Argyle on Saturday to see what a good move it was for Wednesday to keep the Scotland international around until at least the end of the season.

Whilst not always a regular starter this season up-front due to the presence of Michael Smith and also Josh Windass, Paterson is one of Darren Moore’s first options to bring off the bench to try and change a game that isn’t necessarily going their way.

But his versatility is also very handy, as he showed at the weekend when he started as a wing-back and scored the only goal of the match to send the Owls to the summit of League One.

Paterson will provide more important contributions between now and the end of the season, so turning down offers from Hearts was definitely the right move – what happens this summer though is anyone’s guess.

Chris Gallagher

Without a doubt.

I thought it was crazy that Sheffield Wednesday were even going to contemplate letting Paterson go. Of course, you could make the argument that it makes sense financially but from a football perspective it would’ve been stupid.

Paterson is a player that can do well in various different positions and he has already shown that he will chip in with important goals on occasions. Darren Moore doesn’t have the biggest squad so he needs individuals who will fill in and Paterson does that.

As well as that, his experience will be crucial as the pressure builds and the Owls push for promotion.

This season is all about going up and Wednesday’s chances increase by keeping Paterson, who will have a big role to play in the coming months.

Quiz: Are these 20 Sheffield Wednesday facts real or fake?

1 of 20

Darren Moore is the current manager?

True False

Alfie Burns

When you are in Sheffield Wednesday’s position with so much on the line this season, you’ve got to think short-term and focus on promotion. Retaining Paterson was the right thing to do for the second-half of the season.

Moore needs as many bodies available to him for the League One run-in, with Wednesday going for the title with Plymouth and looking to see of Ipswich Town’s faltering push for the top-two.

Even if it meant losing out on a six-figure fee and seeing Paterson leave for free in the summer, promotion would outweigh that.

As it is, a new contract isn’t out of the question and Wednesday might actually avoid losing the 28-year-old come the end of the season.

Yet, the decision to keep him on board is already being vindicated by the fact Paterson has struck the winner against Plymouth in a game that’s moved Wednesday to the top of League One.

Carry on like that and Wednesday will forget about the money on offer. Paterson, meanwhile, might be faced with the opportunity of Championship football as a result.