'I fully expect' - Tony Pulis makes prediction regarding Barry Bannan's Sheffield Wednesday comeback
Tony Pulis has weighed in on Barry Bannan’s return to Sheffield Wednesday
Former Sheffield Wednesday manager Tony Pulis expects Barry Bannan to “run rings” around opponents in League One.
Just months after leaving the Owls for Millwall, Bannan is back in familiar territory at Hillsborough and preparing to build on his appearance tally of 477.
His return to South Yorkshire has stirred up plenty of excitement ahead of a season that should mark a return to normality for the Owls.
The club were taken over by Arise Capital Partners earlier this year, bringing an end to a period of worrying off-field turbulence.
Tony Pulis on Barry Bannan’s Sheffield Wednesday return
In an interview with Midnite, whose ‘Built Different Index’ ranks all 92 clubs across the English Football League, Pulis said: “Having Barry Bannan involved again is a massive boost.
“The Sheffield Wednesday supporters absolutely idolise him, and understandably so after everything he has given to the club over the years. I think the fans were naturally disappointed to see him go, so they will be absolutely thrilled to have a player of his calibre back in the squad.
“At League One level, his quality, vision, and composure on the ball are going to stand out massively. He has so much class and technical ability that I fully expect him to dictate games from midfield and run rings around opposition teams throughout the season.”
A new era at Sheffield Wednesday
Wednesday boss Henrik Pedersen had to rely on youth as well as short-term loan and free transfer signings as his side tumbled out of the Championship.
However, the club’s new owners have given the Dane the finances to build a competitive squad.
Pulis, who had a brief spell in charge of Wednesday during the 2020/21 campaign, said: “I am absolutely delighted to see the new ownership because Sheffield Wednesday is just an unbelievable football club, a truly fabulous institution with such rich history and passionate support. Hopefully the positive changes around the place completely transform the complexion of the entire club moving forward.
“Everyone connected with Wednesday has been through so many difficult moments and turbulent times over the past ten years or so, so you really hope that all of those past frustrations are finally washed away and they can look towards a much brighter future.”