BANNAN: I WOULD REACH OUT FOR ADAM
SHEFFIELD Wednesday midfielder Barry Bannan has sung the praises of teammate Adam Reach, insisting he has been the Owls’ player of the season.
After reaching the playoffs in both the last two years, this campaign has been a disappointment for the Hillsborough club, with a poor start costing manager Carlos Carvalhal his job.
His successor, Jos Luhukay, has since managed to lift Wednesday clear of any relegation trouble after a sticky start to his time in charge.
Bannan believes Reach has been a real driving force as his side have struggled for consistency, with the 25-year-old midfielder even captaining them on occasion.
Scotland international Bannan, 28, said: “He’s played nearly every minute. It’s a tough league and he’s a fit boy. He’s looked after himself and his performances have been brilliant.
“There are quite a few to be fair – big Atdhe Nuhiu has done really well.
“I could say a few more, but I would think my vote would be for Adam Reach. I think he’s had a great season.
“There have been two different parts to the season. It’s just trying to find a consistency, and that’s why I would have voted for Adam because he’s been consistent.”
Reach struggled for that consistency in his first year at the Owls after signing from Middlesbrough but seems to have settled this time, with his campaign including one of the goals of the season at Aston Villa back in November.
Bannan said: “He changed positions as well because he was normally a wide player, but when the new manager came in he went into the middle and added to his game.
“It’s difficult as a wide player. You are taking people on, and as a midfielder you need to tackle and read the game. I thought he did really well.”