Sheffield Wednesday fans have their say as Henrik Pedersen makes Liam Palmer captaincy decision
Sheffield Wednesday stalwart Liam Palmer is going to retain the captain’s armband ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Following Barry Bannan's recent return to Sheffield Wednesday, there has been plenty of discussion about who will wear the captain's armband heading into the new campaign.
The Scot officially returned to Hillsborough a fortnight ago, less than six months after leaving the Owls to join Millwall, and the prospect of him reclaiming the armband has been widely debated by supporters.
However, manager Henrik Pedersen brought those conversations to a close on Wednesday by confirming that Liam Palmer, who was installed as captain following Bannan's departure earlier this year, will retain the armband ahead of the upcoming campaign.
The Owls boss said: “We made that decision early, that Liam is the club captain and Barry is the vice-captain. When we come a little bit further, I will integrate a third captain.
“So we will have three captains. And then we will have a leader group of senior players, maybe one young player. As the senior group, this is the way I want to build it up.”
Palmer, who is closing in on becoming the Owls' all-time appearance maker, has spent his entire career at Hillsborough, meaning being named permanent captain earlier this year was an enormous honour for him and his family.
Despite graduating from Wednesday's academy and bleeding blue and white, a number of supporters have expressed concerns about Palmer retaining the armband, with some suggesting he should not be a regular starter this coming season.
With Wednesday expected to switch to a back four, the most obvious position for Palmer is at right-back. He often played at centre-back when the Owls deployed a five-man defence last season.
Although Jordi Liongola is regarded as an attacking full-back, it remains to be seen whether he will feature at right-back in a traditional back four. As things currently stand, Palmer could therefore be considered Pedersen's first-choice right-back.
Bannan, on the other hand, is likely to be a regular starter in midfield, come what may. Although Wednesday still need reinforcements in the engine room, the Scot is expected to form a third of Pedersen’s first-choice midfield alongside fellow new recruits Billy Mitchell and Callum Slattery.
With Palmer keeping the armband, The Star asked Wednesdayites to offer their opinions on the decision and, understandably, they have been contrasting. Here is a flavour of what some of them had to say...
Jez Grant said: “Captain is more than turning up for 90 minutes, they set the standards, discipline, commitment and work ethic across the squad, and have an understanding of the values and culture of the club. Who represents the club and our city. Palmer embodiment of all that and more, and naturally commands the respect he deserves.”
Carol Hopkinson commented: “I think Palmer should still be captain as when Bannan left he took his place and did a good job. I am sure Bannan is happy with that and will support Palmer all the way.”
Mark Shaw posted: “Love both players. I suppose he [Pedersen] is rewarding loyalty as Palmer remained.”
Matt Rose argued: “He’s been a great servant, but if we’re looking to move the squad forward at pace, Palmer should be nowhere near.”
Richard Brown said: “Sentimental appointments. Need to be more ruthless.”
Anthony Price stated: “Let the manager do his job.”
Mathew Wiggett remarked: “Spot on I'd say. An incredible servant to the club and the most mature head on the pitch.”
Eve Winstanley said: “Liam became captain when Bannan left. Why should Bannan get it back because he returned?”