'Once an Owl, always an Owl' - Sheffield Wednesday Supporters' Trust issues statement after Barry Bannan exit
Sheffield Wednesday have announced the exit of Barry Bannan after more than a decade at the club.
The Sheffield Wednesday Supporters’ Trust has paid homage to Barry Bannan following his move to Millwall, saying ‘he represented Sheffield Wednesday with humility and care beyond the football’.
After ten-and-a-half years at Hillsborough, his exit was confirmed at 1.30pm on Wednesday afternoon, confirming he had finalised a move to Championship counterparts Millwall.
He has joined the Lions for an undisclosed fee, signing an 18-month contract at The Den. He could make his debut for his new club when they host Sheffield United on Saturday.
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Bannan made 477 appearances for Wednesday during his Hillsborough career, meaning only five players have donned the famous blue and white stripes on more occasions than him. He was unable to hold back the tears after making his final appearance for the club against Bristol City at Ashton Gate last weekend.
With his exit having now been officially confirmed, the Owls’ supporters’ trust has issued a statement on behalf of the Wednesday fan base to thank Bannan for his service and wish him well for the future.
The statement said: “Barry Bannan leaving Sheffield Wednesday is deeply saddening for everyone connected to this club.
“For ten years, Barry has been the heartbeat of Sheffield Wednesday. Since arriving in 2015, he has give everything to the blue and white, making 477 appearances for the club and becoming the sixth-highest appearance-maker in our history.
“Captaining the side through one of the most turbulent decades the club has known, he was not just a player; he was constant when very little else was.
“Over a decade, we had the privilege of watching one of the most talented midfielders in the country in a Wednesday shirt, a player with vision and technique to see passes others simply could not.
‘As captain, he represented Wednesday with professionalism and pride’
“Barry was central to some of the club’s proudest recent moments, including play-off campaigns and the unforgettable League One play-off final victory at Wembley in 2023. Those memories, and his contribution to them, will endure long after this moment has passed.
“Away from the pitch, Barry consistently gave back to the city and its people. He supported and raised funds for Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity, served as an ambassador, regularly gave his time to causes close to the club, including Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice and other local charities.
“He represented Sheffield Wednesday with humility and care beyond the football.
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“What will be remembered just as strongly is his loyalty across so many challenging years. He stayed through relegation, points deductions, financial uncertainty and instability off the pitch, and gave this club a level of commitment that very few players show in the modern game.
“As captain, he represented Sheffield Wednesday with professionalism and pride. He gave a huge part of his career to this club, and that will never be forgotten.
“On behalf of Sheffield Wednesday supporters, we thank Barry Bannan for a decade of service, dedication and connection to Sheffield Wednesday and its community. He leaves with our respect, our gratitude and our very best wishes for whatever comes next.
“Once an Owl, always an Owl.”