It is not uncommon for professional footballers to be inspiring figures, and one Sheffield Wednesday star has proven to be a huge motivation for world champion boxer, Terri Harper.
Hailing from the village of Denaby Main in South Yorkshire, it’s not surprising that Harper has an affinity for Sheffield Wednesday.
Harper has made history in the sporting world herself, thanks to winning three titles at different weights throughout her career as a boxer.
But, as with any athlete, sporting inspirations can come from any place at any time, and Harper sees a member of the Sheffield Wednesday squad as the perfect motivator for her as she continues to strive for greatness.
Terri Harper names Barry Bannan as favourite Sheffield Wednesday player
Speaking to Sky Sports Football via X, Harper was asked who her favourite Owls player is, and named Barry Bannan as the best player on the team and someone who motivates her to go above and beyond in her profession.
Harper said: “My favourite player is Barry Bannan. That’s mainly just with his work ethic and I think he’s a brilliant team player. When you watch him play, he gives 100% effort all the time, and he covers all areas of the pitch.
“Even though he’s on the older side now, you can see that he’s still got that determination and motivation to just be the best on the team and it’s refreshing to see. It motivates me, in my sport as well.”
Barry Bannan still influences the game
He may be 34-years-old now, but Bannan is still pulling the strings for Wednesday, and as captain, is a key figure in Danny Rohl’s team.
Bannan has already returned two goals and two assists this season, and has put in a number of impressive displays in the middle of the park.
As Harper says, the Scotsman has an unbelievable engine for an older player, and very literally puts his body on the line for the cause week in week out.
| Statistics | Barry Bannan total (2024/25 all competitions) |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 17 |
| Minutes played | 1,270 |
| Goals and assists | 4 |
| Pass completion % | 72.6 |
| Progressive carries per 90 | 0.52 |
| Tackles won per 90 | 1.13 |
Looking ahead to the Steel City derby this weekend, Sheffield Wednesday legend Lee Bullen has picked out the experience of Barry Bannan as ‘crucial’ to the Owls’ hopes of a result.
If that wasn’t enough, Sheffield United icon Chris Basham also heaped praise on Bannan, claiming he is a ‘dangerous’ player that the Blades have to be aware of for the upcoming derby.