Image source: bbc.com
Sheffield Wednesday captain Barry Bannan wants to leave the club, manager Henrik Pedersen has confirmed, after the 36-year-old was applauded by both sets of fans in what is expected to be his final appearance. Bannan was substituted late in Wednesday’s 2-0 loss at Bristol City and returned after full time to acknowledge the travelling support. Pedersen also addressed transfer interest in Svante Ingelsson and Yisa Alao.
Pedersen confirms Bannan wants Sheff Wed exit after emotional Bristol City loss
Henrik Pedersen confirmed Sheffield Wednesday captain Barry Bannan wants to leave the club following the 2-0 defeat by Bristol City at Ashton Gate. The midfielder was given a standing ovation and was substituted in the 91st minute, with fans of both teams, his team-mates and opposition players applauding. Bannan then went back on the pitch after the final whistle to acknowledge the travelling Wednesday supporters.
Bannan has been strongly linked with a move to Millwall, though Pedersen said he did not know whether a medical had been arranged with the Lions for the former Scotland international. Pedersen said Bannan and his representative are speaking to the club “to find a solution” after what he described as “the whole situation,” adding he was not happy to be losing him despite respecting the decision.
Pedersen said Bannan had spoken to his team-mates earlier in the week about his intention to leave, calling it a difficult moment for the squad. He said the emotions were clear between Bannan and his colleagues, and that he told the player he would miss him “on a football level, a captain level, a friend level.” Pedersen added he believed the dressing room still contained “young, hungry players” ready to give everything for the club.
The manager said the travelling fans repeatedly chanted “There’s only one Barry Bannan” during the match as they tried to give him “the best last game” in recognition of his time at the club. Bannan, 36, has made 435 league appearances for Wednesday in more than a decade, with the club in administration since October. Pedersen called him a fantastic player, captain and leader during a difficult period.
Pedersen also confirmed Wednesday received an offer for Swedish midfielder Svante Ingelsson but turned it down because it was “not good enough” for his quality. Teenage defender Yisa Alao has been linked with a move to Chelsea and Pedersen said “something will be finalised” regarding the player’s future. He added he could not confirm whether injured right-back Yan Valery would still be at the club when the transfer window closes, saying there was speculation and he did not know what would happen in the next seven days.
