Some Sheffield Wednesday supporters have taken to Twitter to comment on Darren Moore’s apology to Barry Bannan following his first half substitution.
The Owls fell to a sixth straight defeat as they lost 3-0 to Reading at the Madejski Stadium.
Wednesday started the game in competitive fashion. However, Julian Borner’s red card after half an hour left the Owls with a mountain to climb as Reading netted the subsequent penalty.
Newly-appointed boss Moore had to shore up his defence, hooking Barry Bannan.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Moore admits apologising to the experienced midfielder which has since prompted mixed responses from Wednesday supporters on social media.
2 games he has been in charge and hes pulled him both games. Finally a manager with abit about him, he does naff all for us unless everyone is playing well. So overrated now
— O.Simpson🦉 (@OSimpson96) March 7, 2021
I think Barry is one of the best players we have, shapes the forward movement of the team, makes the tackles and visible effort and passion. I think some people are angry at the wrong man here!
— Daniel Burchell (@D_S_Burchell) March 6, 2021
Yes. He’s the only one in 11 that has the ability to play at this level.
— Paul Pashley (@MrPaulPashley) March 7, 2021
Facts are his legs have gone that’s why he got brought off
— Milts (@miltss2) March 6, 2021
Bannan should apologise to the fans for his and the sides pathetic performances all season.
— Paul (@LifeIsPeachy82) March 6, 2021
Would Bannan shine in a team with forwards or a midfielder or two that actually made decent runs?…100% yes..He’s playing with other championship teams rejects
— Dale Haywood (@dalehaywood40) March 6, 2021
Big mistake bringing BB off and replacing him with our worse defender
— Richard……. (@Richard82158166) March 6, 2021
Why apologise?? Your the boss tell him to accept it and man up
— Techni-form EDM (@Techniform2015) March 6, 2021
Bannan is widely regarded as one of Wednesday’s best and most influential players.
The 31-year-old has excellent passing range and deadball delivery, topping Wednesday’s assist charts this season with four while averaging 1.6 key passes per game.
Bannan is without doubt Wednesday’s most creative player. But whether that says more about his supposed talent or the lack of quality around him is up for debate.
The defeat at Reading leaves the Owls seven points from safety.
Darren Moore has taken over an almighty task as he bids to preserve Wednesday’s Championship status, with his reign starting off with two disappointing defeats.
Also see: Report: £2.5m Owls ace lined up for summer move despite fallout with new manager
Also see: ‘Most gifted player’ Owls inexplicably sold set for Wednesday reunion this weekend