Barry Bannan isn’t leaving Hillsborough any time soon.
The Scottish midfielder put to bed any speculation surrounding his future as he penned a new deal to remain at Sheffield Wednesday.
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Bannan has blocked out the noise to sign a new deal with Sheffield WednesdayCredit: PA
Speaking to the club site, Bannan conceded being out of contract for the first time in his career was ‘hard’.
But deep down, the 35-year-old ‘always knew’ he wanted to stay put in S6 despite the Owls’ myriad of financial issues.
“I’ve made it clear over the years my love for the club and the love I receive back,” Bannan said.
“This club is a big part of me and my family, who are with me here today as I’m signing. They will always stand by me with whatever decision I make and I’ve decided to stay.
“With the season getting closer, this last week has been tough because there was interest from elsewhere and I had a lot to think about.
“We had a lot of conversations as a family and when I told my daughter Elsie that I might be leaving she started crying.
“Then last night when I told her I was staying she started crying again. I asked her why and she said they are just happy tears.”
Confirmation of Bannan’s new deal came hours after he posted an emotional message on social media.
On Instagram, Bannan posted six blue hearts along with the caption: “Remember, no storm lasts forever. Hold on. Be brave. Have faith. Every storm is temporary and we’re never alone.”
Although Owls fans were quick to express their adoration for Bannan on social media, it is only a small sliver of comfort in what has been a truly troubling few months for the club.
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The Scot has made nearly 450 appearances for the Owls across his decade-long stintCredit: GettyWhat’s gone wrong at Sheffield Wednesday?
A friendly against Burnley on Saturday was cancelled due to a boycott from players and coaching staff as they had not received their July wages on time.
Wednesday players were informed this week their wages would be delayed for the third month in a row and the fourth time since March.
It leaves new Owls boss Henrik Pedersen and his troops desperately short of a gallop going into their upcoming Championship campaign.
Pedersen, who took over from Danny Rohl after he mutually parted ways with the club, has less than 10 players aged over 25 at the club.
Wednesday were also forced to lodge a request to the EFL for their season opener to be played away from home due to the state of the North Stand at Hillsborough.
The Owls were hit with a prohibition notice from the Sheffield city council following an assessment which deemed the North Stand was not safe for spectator use.
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It has been a rather troubling time for the Owls in recent yearsCredit: Getty
Wednesday’s stadium issues mean they will begin their 2025/26 Championship campaign away to Leicester City on August 10.
The embattled club also remain under an EFL transfer embargo for unpaid transfer fees, meaning they have been unable to add any players this summer.
However, 14 players have departed with the majority having done so after their contracts expired or they were terminated by mutual consent.
Winger Djeidi Gassama was sold to Rangers in the only deal which involved a fee while Josh Windass ripped up his deal to move to Wrexham.