Barry Bannan is in no doubt about his Sheffield Wednesday Player of the Year

It's that time of year when fans are asked to vote for their clubs' Player of the Year.
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With what has gone on at Sheffield Wednesday this year, it might be easier to split it into two - one for each half of the year.

Gary Hooper and Barry Bannan particularly, were impressive before being struck down by injury in December, with the latter only recently returning to action.

Owls midfielder Barry BannanOwls midfielder Barry Bannan
Owls midfielder Barry Bannan
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Post-Christmas and indeed, post-Carlos Carvalhal, Atdhe Nuhiu, Lucas Joao and Daniel Pudil have stepped up having been overlooked in the first part of the campaign.

There has been one consistent figure, though, and if Bannan was to cast a vote himself, he is in no doubt as to whom should pick up the accolade.

“I definitely shouldn’t be anywhere near it,” he said.

“I would say Adam Reach has been brilliant.

Adam Reach has been given the captain's armband on occasions this seasonAdam Reach has been given the captain's armband on occasions this season
Adam Reach has been given the captain's armband on occasions this season

“He’s played nearly every minute - it’s tough league and he’s a fit boy, he’s looked after himself and his performances have been brilliant.

“There’s quite a few to be fair - big Atdhe has done really well.

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“I could say a few more but I would think my vote would be for Adam Reach, I think he’s had a great season.

“There’s been two different part to the season, it’s just trying to find a consistency and that’s why I would have voted for Adam because he’s been consistent.”

Owls midfielder Barry BannanOwls midfielder Barry Bannan
Owls midfielder Barry Bannan

It wasn’t just the consistency that Reach showed, that sets him apart, but through very difficult times, just as Jos Luhukay took over, the 25 year-old was a real leader in a side that was lacking in confidence.

“He had the armband as well for a while which he took to brilliantly I thought,” Bannan added.

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“He changed positions as well because he was normally a wide player but when the new manager came in he went into the middle and added to his game.

“I thought he done really well. It’s difficult as a wide player you are taking people on and as a midfielder you need to tackle and read the game and I thought he done really well, so he’s had a good season.”

Adam Reach has been given the captain's armband on occasions this seasonAdam Reach has been given the captain's armband on occasions this season
Adam Reach has been given the captain's armband on occasions this season

It’s almost been something of a breakthrough season for Reach who arrived at the beginning of the last campaign and with a hefty price tag.

That appeared to weigh down the former Middlesbrough man a little, but Bannan feels he was just taking his time getting used to new surroundings.

“It takes time to settle in,” he said.

“Sometimes you can take to it straight away but most of the time it takes time to settle and I think was like that.

“Since he’s found his feet he’s been a great signing.”