Sheffield Wednesday name ex-Rotherham United defender Reece James in XI for friendly after Bradford City stint
Sheffield Wednesday have welcomed a familiar face back into their camp
Free agent Reece James has been named in Sheffield Wednesday’s starting XI for their friendly against Accrington Stanley.
A familiar face in S6, James was part of the Owls squad that sealed promotion from League One back in 2023. He was on loan at Hillsborough from Blackpool and his move was later turned permanent.
He left Wednesday at the end of the 2023/24 campaign and has spent the following two seasons with Rotherham United. After suffering relegation to League Two with the Millers, the defender saw his contract at the New York Stadium expire.
Reece James back in Sheffield Wednesday colours
James was recently on trial at Bradford City but has been training with Wednesday this week. The 32-year-old left-back has now been named in Wednesday’s starting XI for their meeting with League Two outfit Accrington.
He has not been listed as a trialist, suggesting he is not featuring with a view to winning a contract. However, there is always a chance a deal could be struck if he impresses manager Henrik Pedersen.
James would certainly add a wealth of experience to the Owls ranks, with the defender having made nearly 400 career appearances.
Reece James’ profile
A product of Manchester United’s academy, he counts the likes of Doncaster Rovers, Huddersfield Town and Sunderland among his former clubs.
He is also a versatile operator who can play further forward on the flank or as a defensive midfielder.
Hailing the defender in 2022, then-Wednesday boss Moore said: “He has got a lovely left foot on him and gives us that balance on the left-hand side. He has been superb. He is someone that I worked with at Doncaster. He has got wonderful versatility.”
Also in Wednesday’s XI for their friendly away at Accrington is new loan signing Mason Burstow, as well as recent arrival Connal Trueman.