Football
Exclusive: “I Want to Finish My Career at Sheffield Wednesday,” says Barry Bannan
Sheffield Wednesday captain Barry Bannan expresses his desire to end his career at the club and reflects on his transformation both on and off the pitch. His journey has made him a fan favourite, and his leadership often impacts betting predictions for Wednesday.
Image Credits: Jess Hornby/Getty Images
No-one could begrudge Barry Bannan being affectionately known as “Mr Owls”.
The former Scottish international has spent almost a decade at Hillsborough and proudly boasts the distinction of being club captain.
A Sheffield Wednesday Icon
Bannan made the move to South Yorkshire in 2015 from Crystal Palace and has played his way into Sheffield Wednesday folklore ever since.
The focal point of Wednesday’s game in the Championship, Bannan stuck with the club during the dark days when they were relegated to League One despite offers to go elsewhere in 2021.
No-one will forget the EFL Goal of the Season winner against MK Dons in the 2021-22 campaign, but it was his performances which helped the Owls reclaim their Championship status via the play-offs which will live long in the club’s faithful fans’ memories.
It’s no secret that the creative midfielder, who has played a part in 100 goal contributions for Wednesday, wants to eventually hang up his boots at Hillsborough.
Every season people ponder whether it will be his last for the club.
Maybe it’s this one?…Who knows? But as long as the club stay in the second tier it will be job done once again for the experienced lynchpin.
The arrival of Southampton loanee Shea Charles has allowed Bannan the freedom to get further up the pitch and he has hit the ground running with goals against QRP and Luton as well as a trademark smart pass for Anthony Musaba's winner against West Brom.
All Eyes on Retirement
Bannan told SportsBoom.com: “Talk about my future has happened a lot recently! You just get used to it.”
“I feel great at the minute. I’ve played every game this season, even the cup games I’ve been involved in those as well.”
“If I can keep doing this then hopefully that will put an end to ‘this is his last year’ talk again.”
“I’ve been here a long time. They’ve been brilliant with me since I walked through the door.”
“I’ve got a close bond with the fans and the club. It’s a place that I hold dear in my heart. I love it here.”
“I’d love to end my career at Hillsborough if it was down to me.”
"I’ve made that clear over a number of years now, I want to finish my career here.”
Sadly, sometimes that doesn’t happen in football. It’s down to the manager and the chairman, if they can keep putting up with me!
Barry Bannan
Life Beyond Football, and Early Partying Days
At 34, Bannan has long put his wild partying days behind him.
He credits that stark lifestyle change to wife Chlöe, whom he met back in 2018, and children Elsie and Wilf.
Now a devoted family man, the midfielder knows living a healthy life off the pitch can help extend his career for many years to come.
“I used to be out partying quite a lot when I was younger,” revealed Bannan.
“I got a wife, so I stopped going out and partying!”
“But as anything, you grow up and you grow out of that stage. A lot of its probably down to my wife and have kids, you can’t do that anymore.”
“That’s helped my career and will probably prolong it the longer I go on.”
“I’m just concentrating on living a good lifestyle away from football. I’ve done that for a good few years now and I feel as fit as I did when I first came in at Sheffield Wednesday.
“Obviously age will catch up with you at some point, but I’m lucky that I’m slight in stature and light on my feet.”
“Touch wood…I’ve not had many injuries over the years and that all plays a part in prolonging your career.”
Shane is a respected journalist who has covered a range of sports for a number of years.