Sheffield Wednesday star Barry Bannan reveals why he hopes Sheffield United are relegated from the Premier League this season after admitting he is 'envious' of Blades

Sheffield Wednesday star Barry Bannan has revealed why he hopes Sheffield United are relegated from the Premier League this season.
Barry BannanBarry Bannan
Barry Bannan

The Owls’ Scottish international admits it’s “not nice” to see the Blades prosper in the Premier League, after leapfrogging their bitter rivals and reaching the top-flight.

Chris Wilder’s men went into the international break fifth in the table while Wednesday, under Garry Monk, are eighth in the Championship table.

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And Bannan, whose side were last in the top-flight two decades ago, said: "It's hard to look at Sheffield United and not be a bit envious.

"It's not nice seeing them doing well, but you've got to give them credit where credit's due. Hopefully this time next year we're the ones up there and they're back down here.

"It depends how you've been brought up when it comes to rivalries. I’ve been brought up with the Celtic-Rangers rivalry, so wherever I've been I've had that instilled in me.

"From being a Celtic fan and not liking Rangers I went to Aston Villa and it was Birmingham. Now I'm here it's Sheffield United.

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"I wouldn't say there's jealously, but it gives you that extra hunger to go out and try and get there."

Wednesday enjoyed eight seasons in the top flight before they were relegated in 2000, and haven’t been back since.

"I've been here for years," added Bannan, in the Daily Star.

"I'd say I was the heartbeat of the team. I just go out and try to make things happen. I'll always want the ball and try to create things for my team-mates.

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"On the days when we're good we probably beat most teams in this league. I think a lot of people would agree with that but it's about finding that consistency.

"It's about getting those results week in, week out. Playing Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday. It's just about finding a way of winning when you're not performing."

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