Barry Bannan shares emotional message as ex-Sheffield Wednesday star announces retirement

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Former Sheffield Wednesday striker Steven Fletcher has announced his retirement after leaving Championship rivals Wrexham.

The mood around Sheffield Wednesday is pretty low.

Financial problems under Dejphon Chansiri continue, with Owls players told they will not be paid on time for September.

Fans are looking for any kind of bright spot, and some may look back to some of the fan favourites from years past.

• READ MORE: Sheffield Wednesday mascot releases statement to explain the ‘real toll’ staff are facing

Barry Bannan sends message to former Sheffield Wednesday team-mate Steven Fletcher

Monday night brought the announcement that former Wednesday striker Steven Fletcher has decided to hang up his boots.

Fletcher has considered retirement ever since being released by Wrexham at the end of last season.

The Scot has now called time on his career at the age of 38, and he has sent a message to his former clubs on Instagram.

Fletcher spent four seasons with Wednesday after joining in 2016 and scored 36 times in 124 games for the Owls.

Fletcher departed for Stoke City in 2020, but he was a popular figure during his time at Hillsborough.

Former Wednesday teammate Barry Bannan sent a heartfelt message to Fletcher, admitting that it was a ‘pleasure’ to play alongside him.

Bannan added that Fletcher was a fantastic player, friend and ‘brother for life’ in an emotional send-off for the striker.

Bannan believes that Fletcher will go on to enjoy success in the future, having already dabbled in punditry duty.

‘What a player but even more so a friend and brother for life was a pleasure to be a part of some of your career, mate, and I’m sure whatever is next will be a success, love ya mate,’ said Bannan.

Steven Fletcher’s former Sheffield Wednesday team-mates chime in

Bannan felt a strong bond with Fletcher as a fellow Scot, and others who played with the striker at Wednesday have added their own messages.

Defender Dominic Iorfa said, ‘what a guy, all the best’, while former Owls goalkeeper Cameron Dawson added ‘incredible career mate’.

Joey Pelupessy simply stated ‘FLETCH’ with a love heart emoji, and Liam Palmer posted a goat emoji to sum up Fletcher’s status.

Fletcher will certainly hold his Wednesday days close to his heart and will hope to see the club come through these difficult times soon enough.