Barry Bannan’s departure from Sheffield Wednesday to Millwall during the January transfer window concluded a decade-long association with the Owls. The midfielder is considered a modern Wednesday legend.
Bannan’s Legacy at Hillsborough
Bannan was the heartbeat at Hillsborough. He dictated tempo, drove standards, and dragged the team forward. He made 477 appearances for Sheffield Wednesday.
The Scot will eventually retire associated to Wednesday more than any other club. He made 86 appearances for Aston Villa.
Affection Remains Despite Millwall Move
Bannan visited Sheffield Wednesday recently for a charity event. His love and affection for the city, club, and supporters remains without question.
He has made eight appearances for Millwall, with four as a starter, and two games where he was an unused substitute. Millwall are currently fourth and in a fight with the likes of Middlesbrough and Ipswich Town for promotion.
Potential Return to Sheffield Wednesday
A potential reunion with Bannan has already been discussed behind the scenes at Sheffield Wednesday. Wednesday fans would welcome his return.
Bannan’s departure from S6 came about largely because of a lack of clarity on what the future would hold amid the long-running and eventually failed James Bord bid. Now, with the Arise consortium of David Storch and co. hoping to wrap up a deal to buy the club before the end of the season, Joe Crann has revealed that he is of the understanding that a potential reunion with Bannan has already been discussed behind the scenes at Sheffield Wednesday.
It’s stated that, at this point, it’s “just internal discussions that have taken place”. Whether a deal is feasible for Bannan or not “remains to be seen”. The understanding is there’s a desire to get the former skipper back for the League One rebuild.
Contract and Promotion Prospects
The 36-year-old signed an 18-month contract for Neil’s side in the winter, which takes him through until 2027.
Should he seal promotion, it will be the third of Bannan’s career and his second to the Premier League following a loan spell with Blackpool. It could mean Bannan moves on in the summer.
Bannan played a vital role in promotion from League One.
For all the disappointment surrounding his exit, it would be no surprise if Bannan and Sheffield Wednesday were destined to cross paths again in a footballing sense one day.