Sheffield Wednesday: Popular duo set for Owls farewell as Jos Luhukay looks to rebuild

Jos Luhukay, in the short time he has been first-team manager, has helped bring through the next generation of talent.

But the Dutchman has indicated he plans on further reducing the average age of Wednesday’s squad when the transfer window re-opens this summer. His recruitment drive will focus on young, hungry players.

But Luhukay has already begun reshaping his side, informing club captain Glenn Loovens and Ross Wallace that they will not be offered new deals. Loovens, 34, and Wallace, 32, will leave Hillsborough at the end of the season when their contracts expire.

Although Wallace is currently injured, Luhukay has not ruled out Loovens playing some part in tomorrow’s season finale at home to Norwich City. Loovens has played 149 times in his four-and-a-half-years at Wednesday.

For our Owls news and opinion on twitter follow here

“Glenn does an awful lot behind the scenes,” goalkeeper Cameron Dawson told The Star. “He always puts his hand up, sorting things out, making sure the dressing room is right.

“He will be a big miss, but still has a lot to offer on the playing side.

“Ross has been great; we picked him up for a free from Burnley so what a signing that turned out to be.

“He has been a really consistent performer for us, but I am sure he will go to another club and still has a lot to give.”

One man who is going nowhere is Daniel Pudil. The full-back turned centre-half has agreed a new one-year contract.

Dawson said: “It’s great for Daniel. He has been excellent moving inside, to left-side centre-half.

“He’s very much deserving of that extra year.”

For more news from Hillsborough click here

As for the team, Luhukay’s men will be aiming to end a poor campaign with a flourish.

“Players are still wanting to prove their worth for next season,” said Dawson. “Players have got a lot to prove.

“Hopefully we can finish strong, with a win, and go into our summer break - enjoy a little rest - and come back strong next year. We have finished strong, been winning, but I think that lads are looking forward to a rest. We need to write this season off and go again next season.

“We need to get that winning mentality back. The previous two seasons, we would win those tight games. Grinding out those 1-0, 2-1 wins out, turning draws into wins, is key in the Championship.”

The goalkeeper said the Owls will give promotion a “really good go” next year.

“We will get a good pre-season under our belts and try again,” he said. “Look at Wolves, they just win, win, win, draw, win… that’s what you need to do to get promoted.”

Follow Dom Howson on twitter