“Not me being greedy” - Will Vaulks makes Sheffield Wednesday claim after exit announced | OneFootball

Will Vaulks has revealed that he didn’t feel fully appreciated by Sheffield Wednesday as he sealed a move to Oxford United, although he reiterated how much he enjoyed his time at Hillsborough.

The 30-year-old joined the Owls in the summer of 2022, and he played a key part as Darren Moore’s side sealed a return to the second tier in dramatic fashion through the play-offs.

He continued to play a part in the season that has just finished, with Vaulks making 34 appearances as Wednesday miraculously preserved their Championship status under the guidance of Danny Rohl, with Vaulks playing a key role during the run-in as they battled to survive.

Will Vaulks rejects Sheffield Wednesday contract to join Oxford United

With Rohl agreeing a new contract to extend his stay in Yorkshire, it’s an exciting time to be at Wednesday, but there were doubts about Vaulks’ future as his contract was expiring.

The club stated in May that they had offered the ex-Cardiff City man a new deal, so there would have been an expectation that he would stay.

However, as a free agent, Vaulks was free to talk to other clubs, and it was announced this week that Vaulks would be joining the newly-promoted U’s ahead of their Championship return.

Will Vaulks discusses Sheffield Wednesday departure

Given the optimism around Hillsborough, it may look as a surprise to outsiders that Vaulks has decided to join an Oxford side that are back in the second tier for the first time since 1999.

Yet, speaking to BBC Sheffield, Vaulks opened up on his decision, as he explained why they made him ‘feel wanted’, which is something he didn’t necessarily get with Wednesday.

“I can’t say too much. The only thing I can say is that Oxford showed massive ambition. They have a structure in place, a budget they’re allowed to spend, and a manager and a head of recruitment that want to get things done.

“I didn’t feel that from Wednesday, but I’m not going to be bitter about it. I can’t go into too much detail about it, but, rest assured, it’s not me being greedy or anything like that, it’s just sometimes you need to feel wanted and that you’re going to be part of something moving forwards.

“That’s what Oxford did, and they were so professional in the way they did it. From minute one they made it clear they were heading in the right direction. So, we shake hands and move on. It’s always hard when you get put on a retained list or an offered list, as you never know what that means. I can leave with my head held high, I have no qualms about that.”

Sheffield Wednesday’s summer plans

This will be a blow for Wednesday as Vaulks made some big contributions on the pitch, whilst he seemed a vocal figure and a leader in the dressing room.

But, you have to respect his decision, and, as he says, it’s not that he was desperate to leave Wednesday, more that Oxford made a big play to bring him in, and he is likely to become a key player for them following their promotion.

So, it’s now about finding a replacement for the Owls, and the club should have full faith in Rohl after his outstanding job so far, and they must back him as much as possible in the window.