Sheffield Wednesday manager Steve Bruce has admitted that it was difficult for him to release key players, but says it is all part of being a manager.

The Championship club released six out-of-contract players, including George Boyd and Gary Hooper, just hours after their 2-1 defeat to QPR on the final day of the season.

Bruce is looking to considerably strengthen his squad in the transfer market this summer, after taking charge at Hillsborough in February and is looking to build a team who can compete for promotion next season.

The Owls boss admitted that it was not easy for him to release those players, but insisted that making the tough decisions is part of his job as a manager, as he looks to restructure his squad.

"The reason why we have let some players go is because we need to bring in some younger players to give us a new freshness," said Bruce, as quoted in a Sheffield Star column.

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"There were some difficult decisions but it is what the job is. As the manager, you have got to make these decisions. It is what I am paid for.

“It is never easy, especially when it is players who you have enjoyed working with. We have let a lot of good players and they are all smashing lads.

“However, with the financial situation that is upon us, we have got to choose well and we have to be careful with our recruitment.”

Sheffield Wednesday finished 12th in the Championship table this season, ten points outside the play-off places, but enjoyed a remarkable turnaround under Bruce in the second half of the campaign.

The Verdict

I agree with Bruce here. It would have been difficult for him to release those players, but it's his job to make the difficult decisions.

He is a vastly experienced manager and has won promotion from the Championship four times in his career, he is not going to shy away from making the big decisions.

The good news for Sheffield Wednesday fans is that they can expect some new additions to the squad over the summer and with Bruce in charge, there are plenty of reasons for them to be optimistic ahead of next season.

Thoughts? Let us know!