Sheffield Wednesday urged to sign Barry Bannan 2.0 and Michael Smith alternative | OneFootball

FLW's Owls fan pundit has pointed to three positions that he wants to see his club recruit thoroughly in this summer

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Sheffield Wednesday have been urged to bolster their squad in the centre-back, central midfield and striker positions this summer to complete our Owls fan pundit's dream transfer window and give the club the best chance of success in the Championship next season.

Things have not quite gone to plan for Sheffield Wednesday this season, with off-field issues again marring what once promised to be a campaign of genuine progression and improvement under impressive head-coach Danny Rohl.

The Owls currently sit 14th in the second-tier standings, with four games to go to salvage what is left of their campaign that already feels all-but-over. They have threatened to take part in the play-off race this season, but have ultimately fallen short, with a lack of sufficient squad depth being a key factor in their recent struggles.

Wednesday fan pundit issues summer transfer window demands - they need to invest heavily

Owls supporters will have many more questions than answers right now ahead of next season, particularly regarding the future of highly-rated boss Rohl, who has been touted to take over at recently-relegated Premier League side Southampton in the coming months.

Like many years previous, Wednesday have been unable to complete a campaign without trouble at board level, after chairman Dejphon Chansiri failed to pay player wages for the month of March and the club came within days of a three-window transfer embargo.

Numerous issues need to be sorted out before the club can focus on potential incomings this summer, but FLW's Owls fan pundit, Patrick McKenna, has urged Wednesday to bring in improvements in numerous positions in the upcoming transfer window, with a long-term replacement for key man Barry Bannan noted as a must-sign.

“The first one that is jumping out at me is, it would be fantastic if we could sort out the centre-back position and get some reinforcements in an area where we are badly lacking," Patrick told FLW.

“It has been so costly to us this season, so in an ideal world, we get at least two centre-backs in. Centre-backs who are commanding, know how to lead the backline, make interceptions and rally those around them.

“There has been a complete lack of intelligence, as well, amongst our centre-back play. We want guys in who are switched on.

“Also, another area that I have touched on is central midfield. The succession to Barry Bannan, that plan can’t be kicked down the road any further.

“I think it’s becoming even more pertinent now, with Barry Bannan being out in the past few games. Now that our season, in effect, is over, I don’t think we will see him again this season.

“We’re resting him up for next season, so yet again, getting in another two players who have the skills of Bannan and will be able to take over the mantle.

“As well, the signings we are getting in, I think especially in midfield you want them to be of a good age. There is no succession plan to Bannan if we are getting players in that are over 30.

“If this is a dream window, I suppose we should look to reinforce at centre-forward as well, because we can’t rely on Michael Smith for all of next season.

“Unless Ike Ugbo is going to have a miraculous recovery next season, we are going to have to look at getting someone in to take up the role he hasn’t taken on.

“That would be the dream, but of course there are dreams and realities when it comes to transfer windows and Sheffield Wednesday.”

Wednesday

There looks to be some light at the end of the tunnel emerging for the Wednesday faithful, and new developments around a potential takeover soon could provide the club a huge boost in their task of improving the squad for next season.

Fan groups staged a protest against his ownership in the 10th minute of the Owls' recent Championship clash against Oxford United, as they turned their backs on the field of play to signify the 10 years that Chansiri has owned the club.

The Thai businessman moved to address such protests in a club statement earlier this week, insisting that he would be "happy to leave" his post as owner and chairman if the "right individual or group" were to come forward to make an offer for the club.

A new report from The Star has since emerged, which states that conversations have been had about potential investment into the Owls going forward. Any potential takeover is not believed to be imminent, or even close, but the club’s name is believed to be being discussed by wealthy individuals as a purchase option.

It is clear that things could progress quickly over the coming months, especially given that Chansiri will now be even more aware that supporters are fully against him being in charge.

Wednesday will no doubt have plans in the pipeline for their summer business, but things will need to be settled at board level before they can make any real moves for new players. Rohl's future is another issue that needs sorting too, so they will hope that that situation has reached its conclusion by the time the window rolls around in a few months' time.