Sunday Mirror

Bannan has feel for deal

- BY ROSS HEPPENSTAL­L

BARRY BANNAN would like Neil Thompson to remain in charge of Sheffield Wednesday – but insists the continued uncertaint­y will have no bearing on his own contract negotiatio­ns.

Owls captain Bannan, one of their longestser­ving players, is out of contract in the summer but has been offered a new deal by the club.

Chaos has reigned at Hillsborou­gh this season with the club docked six points for breaching spending rules and Garry Monk and Tony Pulis having both been axed.

Pulis lasted just 45 days before being thrown out by controvers­ial Thailandba­sed owner Dejphon Chansiri, who then placed first-team coach Thompson in caretaker charge.

Scottish midfield schemer Bannan, 31, said: “I have made it clear that I want to stay – I have always made that clear.

“We are nearly there so hopefully there will be some good news in the coming week or two.

“Obviously, it is difficult with the chairman not being in the country at the minute with Covid, which makes it hard to get things done and over the line.

“But hopefully in a few weeks’ time this is all put to bed and we can concentrat­e on getting results for the club.”

Former Ipswich defender Thompson, 57, has engineered three straight wins since taking over at the end of last month.

Bannan added: “Does the managerial situation affect my contract negotiatio­ns? No, not all.

“We have got a massive respect as a team for Thommo. I think the boys would be more than happy if he was to stay in charge until the end of the season.”

On tonight’s FA Cup fourth-round trip to Everton, Bannan added: “It’s a free hit for us and we’re looking forward to it.

“We want to win. But there is no getting away from it, the league is the most important thing.”

 ??  ?? SIGN LANGUAGE Bannan is positive about a contract
SIGN LANGUAGE Bannan is positive about a contract

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