Sheffield Wednesday captain Barry Bannan has sent an emotional message to Jack Hunt on Instagram. The defender has been released by the Owls today, bringing an end to his second spell at Hillsborough.
Hunt won’t be forgotten by Wednesday fans in a hurry. A little over two weeks ago he was stood, arms in the air on the Hillsborough turf being mobbed by supporters after scoring the penalty that sent the Owls to Wembley.
The 32-year-old has been around the block during his career. He’s played for a number of clubs, including Bristol City, Huddersfield, Crystal Palace, Rotherham and Nottingham Forest.
Wherever he’s played his football, he’s always given maximum effort. In two spells with Wednesday, he’s made 1880 appearances for the club and now he will seek pastures new this summer.
Hunt did find the 2022/23 campaign somewhat frustrating. Although he made 26 appearances in all competitions, he was handed just seven starts by Darren Moore in League One.
His defining moment came in the play-offs. He was also used as a substitute on Monday as the Owls defeated Barnsley 1-0 in the League One play-off final to reach the Championship.
Bannan sends classy message to Hunt after Wednesday announcement
It’s fair to say that this news hasn’t gone down too well with Bannan. He’s big pals with Hunt and he’s gutted to see his best pal head out of the Wednesday exit door.
Following the club’s decision, the skipper has sent a typically classy message. He hopes that the player can start enjoying football again and has backed him to continue playing.
He wrote on Instagram: “Here he is my best mate. What a guy and have had the pleasure of knowing you for 10 years now and many more to come. Love you and your family, now go and enjoy your football again Jacky boy.”
It’s never nice to see players depart, especially so close after the euphoria of a Wembley victory. Letting Hunt go is the right call at this stage, however, and hopefully, he can enjoy the final few years of his career elsewhere.