Darren Moore delivers his take on Sheffield Wednesday player who has divided fan opinion
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And Owls midfielder Adam Reach has been one of the more polarising figures in the squad when it comes to opinion amongst the club’s supporters, particularly on social media.
He’s not the only one to have drawn criticism in a long and turbulent season of course, but the argument from detractors has been that the 28-year-old has failed to live up to the high standards he scaled in the early days of his five-year Wednesday tenure.
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Hide AdThe numbers suggest, though, that while his form may not have been blistering, Reach has been one of Wednesday’s more important players this season.
In an injury-torn campaign for the squad, only captain and vice-captain pairing Barry Bannan and Tom Lees have played more Championship minutes than the midfielder’s 2,644.
And in terms of goal contributions, only Bannan and striker trio Josh Windass, Callum Paterson and Jordan Rhodes have provided more goal contributions. Only Bannan, Elias Kachunga and Kadeem Harris provide more key passes per 90 minutes.
In the most turbulent of seasons Reach has played in no fewer than six different positions under four Wednesday managers.
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Hide AdIndeed, new Owls boss Darren Moore has already utilised him in both midfield and as a left wing-back.
Asked whether Reach has been a victim of his own versatility, Moore told The Star: “One thing I’d say is that it’s great for Adam that he’s shown that versatility for us in terms of when there’s been an imbalance in the squad because of injuries or whatever, he’s been able to fill in and deputise.
“We don’t doubt Adam’s ability, he’s got wonderful ability and plays that left hand side of the pitch really well and it’s great to have that.
“We’ve seen him in more defensive roles and we’ve seen him in advanced roles and it shows his capabilities.
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Hide Ad“Adam had a big part to play this season and he’s done well. With his quality coming from deeper positions and supporting play, he’s done very, very well.
“He’s got to continue and has a lot more football to play for the football club in the weeks and months ahead.”