A Premier League manager has spoken very fondly of a Sheffield Wednesday player who he used to play with.
Sheffield Wednesday certainly boast a lot more quality now than they did at this stage last season.
At this stage last time round, Wednesday were about to appoint Danny Rohl, and set off on their journey towards Championship safety.
Rohl worked well with the limited tools he had. And despite a shaky start to this season, Rohl and his side are now looking like their best selves once again.
The Owls sit in 15th place of the Championship table going into this month’s international break, beating Coventry City 2-1 in their last outing.
There’s been some standout performers of late. Perhaps one who’s earned the most plaudits is Barry Bannan.
Bannan has been nominated for the Championship Player of the Month award, and also for the Championship Goal of the Month award for his strike against QPR.
Russell Martin full of praise for Sheffield Wednesday skipper Barry Bannan
Speaking to the press recently, Southampton boss Russell Martin discussed Shea Charles’ loan spell at Wednesday, with Rohl worried about a potential recall.
Martin didn’t hint at a recall. Instead, Martin spoke fondly of Charles’ time at Hillsborough, suggesting that the Saints are very happy with his progression.
Martin also joked about how Charles is taking a load off Bannan in the midfield, then going on to praise Bannan’s quality.
The Southampton boss told Daily Echo: “We are really pleased for him [Charles].
“I’m also very pleased for Barry. Baz is an outstanding footballer, one of the most talented ones I’ve played with.
“He’s still going strong. People like him, Josh Windass, all those guys that have experience will help Shea a lot.”
Martin and Bannan had almost identical national careers with Scotland; Martin gaining 29 caps between 2011 and 2017, and Bannan gaining 27 between 2010 and 2017.
Shea Charles has given Barry Bannan a new lease of life
Earlier this season, fans were critical of Bannan for what they thought were some tired performances.
The team as a whole were struggling. But Charles’ arrival has not only benefited Bannan, and allowed him to get forward more often, but it’s also benefitted the whole team.
Charles holds it all together in the midfield. And when Bannan’s in form and scoring, the club as a whole seems to be happier and better off.
It’s certainly true that Charles has made a huge impact since arriving in S6, and also that him being recalled would be a huge blow for Rohl.
The German will have to make sure he prepares for all possible outcomes in January.
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