Figures have emerged on Twitter that show Sheffield Wednesday had the third-highest ratio of player wages to income in the 2018/19 season – a campaign that saw them finish 12th. 

Last season was an eventful one for the Owls, who had five managers (including caretakers) and spent more time looking over their shoulder than focussed on climbing up the Championship table.

The upturn in form after Steve Bruce's arrival helped them to finish a fairly respectable 12th – though the promotion for city rivals Sheffield United hammered what a frustrating campaign it was.

There has been a lot of discussion in the media and among Owls fans over the past 12 months about the need for a clear-out at the Yorkshire club and the financial figures that have emerged on Twitter today have pressed that home.

According to football finance specialist Kieran Maguire, in the 2018/19 campaign, Wednesday made £25.2 million in revenue and finished with a loss of £38 million.

The figures suggest that they spent £42.4 million on wages, which amounts to 168% of their income – with only Reading and Aston Villa having a higher ratio.

Wednesday look on course for another mid-table finish this season and sit 15th in the table as things stand.

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The Verdict

These figures do not make pretty viewing for Owls fans and only press home further the need for a clean-out at the club.

According to Transfermarkt, 11 members of the squad have contracts that are set to expire this summer and that may allow Wednesday to get rid of some deadwood.

It is going to be very interesting to see the business that is done by the Hillsborough outfit in the upcoming transfer window.