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One Sheffield Wednesday star has said some brilliant words directed to the fans and Owls star Barry Bannan ahead of his departure.
With one game remaining in the 2024/25 Championship campaign, Sheffield Wednesday have nothing to play for ahead of theri clash with Watford in regards to the league table.
However, it could be an emotional 90 minutes for many, with there being little clarity at this stage over the futures of several top players, as well as, most importantly, the future of Danny Rohl at Sheffield Wednesday.
There have been issues off the pitch in S6, with Dejphon Chansiri being unable to pay Sheffield Wednesday players on time in March, but still managed to avoid a three-window ban for the club.
Despite the noise in the background, there has been a surge of improvement on the pitch, and much of that comes down to the quality of Southampton loanee, Shea Charles.
The Northern Irish international is set to depart Hillsborough following the conclusion of his loan, and has since poured out his heart in an ‘emotional’ interview.
- READ MORE: Eagle-eyed Sheffield Wednesday fans noticed Danny Rohl do one thing in Hillsborough lap of honour
Sheffield Wednesday star Shea Charles will always ‘have a special place’ for the club
Owls ace Shea Charles has been a breath of fresh air in the centre of the park, tying down a spot in the side alongside veteran playmaker Barry Bannan, a player who the 21-year-old has become incredibly fond of.
“I’ve loved every minute of it here, and the team have been so good to me,” said Charles in an interview with The Star. “Playing next to Baz [Bannan], I couldn’t have asked for a better partner to learn from in midfield. He’s so experienced and he’s still one of the best midfielders in the Championship – anyone that has played against him will know that.
“I’ve taken things from him, how he is on the ball, and the passes he finds are incredible.”
Charles then went on to discuss leaving Sheffield Wednesday, with the clash at Watford set to be the final of his tenure in S6.
“It’s a weird time all this, you start off and you’re thinking ‘I’ve got a year here’ and then it all goes so fast. It’s going to be a little bit emotional, I’m hoping it’s going to be a long week with training and stuff. I’ll miss them all with how much they’ve helped me, my teammates, and my coaching staff. But I’m sure I’ll be in touch with them and maybe play against them at some point as well.
“I’ll always have a special place for Wednesday.
“I just hope the fans realise how much I love them and how much I’ve appreciated them through my time here. When I see anyone out at the shops or in the street, they’re always so complimentary and nice. I’ve absolutely loved it, and I hope they do know that I love them as well.”
Charles’ resurgence in the side this season, and becoming one of Rohl’s key men, has coincided with the emergence of younger brother, Pierce Charles, who has been depended on in-between the sticks for the first team in recent weeks.
Owls fans certainly reciprocate love for Shea Charles
Charles’ admiration for the Sheffield Wednesday faithful certainly doesn’t just go one way; the 21-year-old Northern Irish international has been one of the shining lights of the side this season, and that has been recognised by supporters.
Without Charles in midfield, Sheffield Wednesday may not have had that stability in midfield needed alongside Bannan to help unleash the Scotsman to play with more creative freedom.
There is no doubt that Charles has a huge career ahead of him, and could without a doubt become a stalwart at Premier League level, something that could make his summer ahead interesting if he stays at recently-relegated Southampton or not.