Sheffield Wednesday captain Barry Bannan has admitted that The Owls should have been promoted with the squad that they had this season. 

The Owls suffered defeat in the League One play-offs this week, losing 2-1 on aggregate to Sunderland in the semi-finals.

Speaking after the 1-1 draw between the two sides at Hillsborough, Bannan insisted things were heading in the right direction, but that it should have been this season that they won promotion.

“It is going in the right direction, but it is not going quick enough, to be honest,” he explained, via The Star.

“We wanted to get promoted this season, but we failed.

“But we cannot get too carried away and too dejected because we were not a million miles away. We should have got promoted, no doubt – looking at the squad."

Keeping hold of Bannan himself was seen as somewhat of a coup for Sheffield Wednesday this season, with many believing his talents belong at a higher level.

Looking ahead to the summer, Bannan emphasised the importance of the Owls' recruitment this summer.

“We have a big summer ahead now." he added.

"We know we are not far away now and it is just about the right recruitment.

“With boys leaving and coming, it has got to be the right people that comes in again.

"That is what we have got right over the last 12 to 18 months. The right people coming in who want to fight for this club and get this club back to where it belongs.”

The Verdict

Sheffield Wednesday fell agonisingly short in their play-off semi final against Sunderland.

To concede the goal that would end their season so late on in the match was a cruel ending to their campaign, and the player's must ensure they come back stronger.

With plenty out of contract at the club this summer, Bannan is correct to emphasise the importance of recruitment at Hillsborough this summer.

Sheffield Wednesday though are a big club and an attractive proposition at this level, so they should have no problem in getting quality players through the door.