Sheffield Wednesday captain Barry Bannan has spoken to the club ahead of the Steel City derby against Sheffield United on Sunday.
Barry Bannan plays in his fifth Steel City derby on Sunday, and he’ll be hoping for a first win in what could prove to be his last season at Sheffield Wednesday.
After seeing his previous deal expire, Bannan signed a new Sheffield Wednesday contract in the summer and has been in fine form so far this season, with two goals and one assist to his name so far.
But the Owls haven’t been in such fine form, at least not consistently so. In the last five, Danny Rohl’s side have won two, lost two, and drawn one.
Ahead of the weekend, Sheffield United sit in 2nd place of the Championship table and Wednesday sit in 15th following a 2-0 win over Norwich City during the week.
The Blades meanwhile have won their last three in the Championship, and could go top of the table with a win over the Owls.
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Barry Bannan makes Sheffield Wednesday ‘promise’ ahead of Steel City derby
Bannan gave an interview to the club ahead of Sunday’s Steel City derby at Bramall Lane, and he’s made a promise to the Owls faithful.
But Bannan has also asked the fans to behave themselves in a game that will no doubt be highly policed, with the derby match having sprung up trouble in the city in previous meetings.
The Owls skipper said: “My message to the Sheffield Wednesday fans is, come enjoy yourselves, behave, and be as loud as you can.
“I can promise you that I’ll have this 11 or 16 boys that come on this pitch, giving it their all for them and for the club.”
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Sheffield United legend speaks highly of Barry Bannan
Bannan has very much been the face of Sheffield Wednesday for the last several years, and he’s very well thought of in the game.
Even on the red side of Sheffield, there’s respect for Bannan. Speaking ahead of the weekend, former Sheffield United man Chris Basham had positive words to say about Bannan.
Basham said: “Baz is a quality player, we knew how dangerous he could be in setting things up. Last 12 years now he’s been at Sheffield Wednesday. He’s been unbelievable for them.”
Bannan’s message to fans certainly highlights his respect among the players and his importance in the dressing room.
He’ll certainly have the players riled up for the occasion. But they can’t let the occasion divert from the game plan, as Rohl will no doubt have some tricks up his sleeve to get one over Sheffield United.
Kick off is at 12:30pm on Sunday.