“I still owe this club… “ – Fully committed Barry Bannan reveals Sheffield Wednesday contract delay

After signing on the dotted line for two more years, Barry Bannan says that he’s happy to have gotten his Sheffield Wednesday future sorted – but admitted it could’ve been done earlier.
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Bannan, 31, is one of the longest-serving players at Hillsborough currently, and is all set to blaze past the 250-appearance mark before the 2020/21 season has come to an end.

But there had been speculation regarding his Owls future as he entered into the last six months of his deal, speculation that was finally put to bed this week after it was confirmed that he’d penned a new deal until 2023.

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The Scotsman is the club’s top creator with almost 40 assists to his name since his arrival, and the fact that he’s committed his future is cause for a huge sigh of relief amongst the Wednesday fanbase.

Speaking to the media today, he explained why he decided to stick around, explaining to The Star that it would’ve been done sooner if not for COVID-19.

He said, “The faith that they showed in me six years ago when I wasn’t playing as much football as I wanted was a big thing for me, and I felt that I still owe this club something back… It would’ve been easy to walk out now, it’s tough at the minute, but I see it as a challenge and a challenge I’m looking forward to taking on.

“I’ve moved up here recently, my missus and daughter love it, so it wasn’t a hard decision in the end. I can’t speak for other players, but it’s up to them whether they want to be here or not. I’ve made it clear that I do, so hopefully they follow suit and put it to the back of their minds and focus on the games that are coming up…

Barry Bannan has signed a new Sheffield Wednesday contract.Barry Bannan has signed a new Sheffield Wednesday contract.
Barry Bannan has signed a new Sheffield Wednesday contract.
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“Mine was only a bit longer because of COVID and stuff - the person that sorts the deals out had COVID, so I would’ve been done a few weeks ago but circumstances didn’t allow that.”

As things stand, Bannan is set to join an exclusive club of players with 250 Owls appearances against Watford on April 2nd, and his new deal means he’ll be picking up substantially more appearances in blue and white for years to come.

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