There's so much work to be done at Sheffield Wednesday after a disappointing season. Having been around the play offs under Carlos Carvalhal, they've tumbled away to the bottom half of the table this campaign.

Currently, only eight points separate them from the bottom three and whilst relegation is unlikely, that position won't be acceptable after finishing fourth last season.

Sheffield Wednesday are a huge club who perhaps belong at the top of the division or even in the next, but nobody has a right to be up there, it has to be earned. The current squad haven't performed well enough and, with several skilful youngsters knocking on the door, there could be changes afoot soon.

Jos Luhukay will be looking at making changes in the summer, bringing in the players he believes can push his side back up the table, but there's a collection of his current stars out of contract whom he'll also need to keep an eye on too, not just in the first team squad.

Here, FLW looks at three players whose futures must be sorted out sooner, rather than late.

Hirst's contract troubles have been well-documented, but they must soon be pushed to a conclusion otherwise the club could lose an incredibly talented young player.

There's a football fairy tale sitting in their youth ranks, the son of the legendary striker David Hirst is chomping at the bit, ready to be blooded into the first team. Embarrassingly for all concerned, he can't be picked at the moment due to contractual issues. He's not injured, he's in form and his team aren't scoring, yet he sits in the stands watching on.

This situation needs sorting out, quickly.

The 34-year old might not be approaching his prime, but he's still incredibly important to Luhukay. The Dutch centre back is club captain and has almost 150 appearances behind him for the Owls. He's still very much a competent Championship centre back and someone who adds value to the side.

His current deal expires this summer and at present, a solid defender could be walking away from Hillsborough for nothing, a player who twelve months ago led his side to fourth in the division.

32-year old Pudil is another who is out of contract this summer and, like Loovens, is a centre half with lots of experience at this level.

he spent several seasons at Watford as well as three at Hillsborough, so he knows the league inside out. He's strong in the tackle, good in the air and still has a couple of years left in him.

If Loovens does leave, surely the Owls can't afford to let Pudil go too? Venancio is on loan and he too will be leaving the club, leaving very few recognised central defenders to work with. Can Luhukay risk throwing an entirely new centre back pairing into the action next season?