Life at Sheffield Wednesday is certainly anything but a happy one right now.
Wednesday were hit with a double embargo in the latest of a long line of off-field issues.
The Owls’ pre-season preparations were left in chaos after being told that the training ground wouldn’t be ready in time – despite a number of first team players returning last week.
Several of those Wednesday players could be leaving for nothing and joining manager Danny Rohl, who is set to leave the Owls.
Rohl is wanted by Leicester City and could be in the opposition dugout on the opening weekend of the 2025/26 Championship season.
It feels like there’s nothing to get Wednesday fans excited but, Rohl has already given them one small piece of hope to cling onto.
Photo by Scott Llewellyn | MI News/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesSheffield Wednesday fans can expect Gabriel Otegbayo to be a regular next season
This season, Wednesday will only be able to sign players on free transfers and will more than likely have to rely on younger, inexperienced players.
Thankfully, some of those have been given exposure to the side already in the shape of Pierce Charles and Gabriel Otegbayo.
Photo by Jess Hornby/Getty Images
The latter is one that can bring some excitement to those that head to Hillsborough.
Otegbayo, 20, made 15 appearances in all competitions last season and impressed in the centre-back role.
He will more than likely start for the Owls in the Championship and will form the basis of a side tipped to struggle by many.
Danny Rohl has already tipped Gabriel Otegbayo to be a star
Rohl may not be around to see how high Otegbayo’s ceiling is at Wednesday but after all, he can say he played a crucial role in his development after handing him his professional debut.
After the Owls’ game against Stoke City in December 2024, the 20-year-old produced a stunning performance that left his boss predicting a bright future.
He told the Sheffield Star: “I put him in against Norwich, he played against Brentford, and for me – no question – he should be one of the players for the future of Sheffield Wednesday. To come in this game with 10 men, it was brave. In the middle of the back five I trust him 100%.”