Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl will have some big decisions to make in the summer months.
Sheffield Wednesday are gearing up for another chaotic summer transfer window.
The Owls have a horde of first-team players out of contract this summer, though with Wednesday in the midst of a relegation battle, it looks like Rohl and co will leave any decisions on player futures until the end of the season.
It’s already been claimed that Rohl wants to keep Barry Bannan, Josh Windass, and Di’Shon Bernard.
But there’ll also be decisions to make on names like Liam Palmer, Will Vaulks, Cameron Dawson and others.
Another name who sees his Hillsborough contract expire in the summer is George Byers; the Scot was loaned out to Blackpool last month, and after a shaky full debut for the Seasiders, he’s since started to come good.
George Byers shines in Blackpool win over Bolton Wanderers
Blackpool claimed a huge win over north-west rivals Bolton Wanderers over the weekend.
Neil Critchley’s side won the game 4-1 to move to within four points of the top-six, with Byers starting the game and claiming an assist too.
Blackpool Gazette gave him an 8/10 rating on the day, with journalist Amos Wynn adding:
“George Byers produced a superb display in the centre of the park for the Seasiders. The Sheffield Wednesday loanee played a huge part in Marvin Ekpiteta’s goal.”
As per Sofascore, Byers recorded 23 out of 25 passes (85% accuracy), winning more duels than anyone on the pitch (10 won out of 13), with 44 touches and 1 key pass, and 9 defensive actions (joint-most of anyone), consisting of 5 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 1 block.
Byers even earned himself a spot in the League One Team of the Week.
Byers could answer key Danny Rohl dilemma at Sheffield Wednesday
Rohl has managed to build a fairly balanced Sheffield Wednesday side.
In January, he streamlined the midfield department with Byers, John Buckley, and Tyreeq Bakinson all leaving, so that the likes of James Beadle, Ike Ugbo, Ian Poveda, and Kristian Pedersen could all arrive.
Another striker would’ve been a welcome addition, and perhaps a defensive midfielder too, with the likes of Momo Diaby and Vaulks having been unimpressive in recent weeks.
Rohl really seems to be lacking a player that can play that role in front of the defence. But looking at Byers’ stats vs Bolton, he may well be able to play that role going forward.
It’s a side of his game which Rohl maybe didn’t see; Rohl often played Byers’ as one of a midfield three, with the Scot simply tasked with moving the ball along in most games.
But Byers is a player who can really dictate the midfield with some crunching tackles and confident passing.
Expect Rohl and co to be keeping a close eye on his performances over the coming weeks, with any more performances like his one last weekend bound to keep him in contention for a new Sheffield Wednesday deal.