It has been a turbulent summer for Sheffield Wednesday and Owls fans.
The exit of Steve Bruce, who took the Newcastle United job earlier this month, so close to the start of the new season was not ideal, to say the least.
They would likely have also wanted to have added more than the three signings they have made in the transfer window, all of whom have joined on free transfers.
The Owls appear to be eyeing bringing in a fourth player on a free transfer, as, according to The Sun journalist Alan Nixon, they’re interested in a reunion with winger Ben Marshall.
We quizzed FLW writer Ned Holmes about Wednesday’s interest in Marshall, what it means, and whether it will come to anything.
Firstly, is he available?
“Yes.
“Marshall had his contract at Norwich City terminated by mutual consent on Saturday, meaning he is now a free agent. The winger had originally signed a four-year deal when signed for the club.
“The 28-year-old joined from Wolverhampton Wanderers last summer but made just six appearances for the Canaries, providing one assist.”
How did he fare last season?
“The 2018/19 season will likely be one that Marshall will want to forget.
“After arriving at Norwich, he struggled to make any real impact under Daniel Farke and was sent out on loan in January to Millwall – a club he had joined on another six-month loan in January 2018.
“Marshall’s second spell at the Den proved much less successful than his first, in which he scored three goals and provided 10 assists in 16 appearances.
“In the same number of appearances for the Lions last season he scored just once and failed to provide an assist."
Do they need him?
“Yes.
“Though caretaker-manager Lee Bullen is currently blessed with lots of forwards, Adam Reach and Kadeem Harris are the only out-and-out wingers in his squad.
“Marshall struggled last season but has proven himself a quality Championship player in the past and has 24 goals and 37 assists from 240 appearances in the English second tier.
“He should improve their squad and will likely be relishing a fresh start after his struggles at Wolves. If they can get him back to the form he showed in his previous spell, this could be a very shrewd move."
Was he a success in his previous spell at the club?
“It could be argued that his four-month stint on loan from Stoke City in the 2011/12 season was the most successful of his career in terms of production.
“In just 22 appearances, Marshall scored five times and provided six assists in League One for the Owls – a run of form that earned him a transfer to Leicester City in the Championship.”
Is anyone else interested?
“Despite Marshall’s success at the club in 2017/18, Millwall boss Neil Harris revealed earlier in the summer that he would not be him bringing back for a third spell at the club.
“According to Alan Nixon, Hull City are reportedly also interested in a move for the winger.”
“With the 28-year-old having been released he is available on a free transfer and I have a feeling that a few clubs that had previously not shown an interest may be considering a move.”
Finally, how likely does the move look?
“Wednesday fans have been stung before after being linked to Marshall and missing out but given the current lack of reported interest they look to stand in good stead at this time.
“Marshall may look back at his time at Hillsborough and believe he can recreate the form he showed nearly eight seasons ago but given the uncertainty surrounding the Owls’ lack of a permanent manager, a good offer from another suitor could see him slip of their grip – this one is not done yet.”