'We want to get promoted at the first attempt' - Sheffield Wednesday star Barry Bannan issues bullish message
Barry Bannan has discussed Sheffield Wednesday’s League One ambition
Barry Bannan has reiterated Sheffield Wednesday’s desire to secure an immediate promotion back to the Championship.
The Owls tumbled out of the second tier last term amid off-field turbulence that bled on to the pitch.
An overhaul has been overseen by new owners Arise Capital Partners, who have funded a much-needed makeover for Henrik Pedersen’s squad.
After five games, Wednesday are top of the League One table having won four and lost one.
Barry Bannan on promotion ambition
The Owls have made no secret of their desire to escape League One and Bannan has spoken of the belief within the dressing room.
He told swfc.co.uk: “We are ticking along nicely at the minute. We feel strong in the changing room in terms of players with a lot of ability.
“We know there will be ups and downs, but we're not going to hide it from anyone. We want to get promoted at the first attempt. We know it's going to be hard, but we believe we've got a group of players capable.
“I know it's five games, but it's a strong start with a new group, and we're only going to get stronger.”
Sheffield Wednesday’s dressing room culture
Wednesday secured a 2-1 win over Peterborough United at the weekend, making it back-to-back away victories following their successful trip to Wycombe Wandererers.
There is no midweek fixture for Pedersen’s men this week, with the Owls not back in action until they host Wigan Athletic on Saturday (September 12).
Bannan said: “Three games in a week is hard, especially when you get to the last one and there are a lot of tired bodies. But you can see the togetherness and the culture we've got going at the minute is massive. I think that got us through on Saturday.
“The manager is really big on it, before being a good player, he's interested in the human and being the right human for the changing room.
“You can be the best player, but if you drag the changing room down with the way you act and go about day-to-day things, then you're no good for the club.
“You can see everybody is pushing in the same direction. We're all on board and willing to fight to get as many points as we can.
“There were players coming on from the bench on Saturday at tough times in the game, throwing their bodies on the line to get the points for the club.
“There’s a big hunger here and it's amazing. You can see everybody is hungry to win games. We’ve taken a massive nine points from nine, which is a great start. We've not had it easy at Peterborough in the past, so it was good to put that right.”