CHAT’S THE WAY TO DO IT SAYS BARRY

SUNDERLAND 0 SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY 2

BARRY BANNAN has revealed how a dressing room meeting laid the basis for Sheffield Wednesday’s great escape.

The Owls looked destined for the drop after failing to win any of their opening 13 league games.

And their progress under boss Danny Rohl appeared in danger of being derailed when they won just once in seven during a terrible run in March and April.

But Bannan (above) says the home draw with Stoke last month acted as the catalyst for the turnaround – triggering a run of three successive victories that culminated in Saturday’s win over Sunderland that guaranteed safety.

And the Wednesday midfielder believes the survival bid ranks higher than last year’s promotion from League One.

He said: “What we’ve had to come back from this season, this has been an amazing achievement. Even more than what we did last season.

“This has been harder, playing at a higher standard against top, top teams every week.

“The turnaround has been incredible.

“There was a massive chat. The gaffer said if we win the last three games we will be safe and that’s how it’s turned out.

“We have got across the line with 53 points.”

Goals from Liam Palmer and Josh Windass clinched victory at the Stadium of Light and Bannan admits the club must build on the end of season surge.

He added: “Hopefully we can kick on now next season under a top, top manager and backroom staff.

“We’ve got so much momentum and good feeling at the club at the minute and we need to make sure that continues into next season.”

Sunderland skipper Luke O’Nien admitted the campaign had fallen well short.

He said: “We have to be accountable as players because the messages and the training has been spot on. A lot of people have to hold up a mirror and look at themselves, that includes me.”