Sheffield Wednesday fans will be bitterly disappointed that this season has ended the same way as last.

In the 2015/16 season, Sheffield Wednesday reached the play-off final at Wembley only to be edged out 1-0 by Hull City, which consigned them to another year in the second tier.

This time, it was even more soul destroying.

Sheffield Wednesday had been in tremendous form in the lead up to the play-offs and they had a 1-0 lead over Yorkshire rivals Huddersfield Town at Hillsborough.

But they conceded an equaliser and missed two penalties in the shoot-out to lose the tie and stay in the Championship.

Next season, they will be looking to spend money and improve on this.

One player they should be looking at is Stephen Ireland, who could control the midfield in the Championship.

The 30-year-old has so much natural ability and has plenty of experience of Premier League football with the likes of Manchester City, Aston Villa and now he is at Stoke.

A serious injury has prevented the Irishman from playing any games this season and he is set to leave Stoke when his contract expires this summer.

On a free transfer and a short term deal, this seems a no brainer for Sheffield Wednesday.

If the Owls can get a full pre-season out of Ireland and get his match fitness back up for next season, they will have one of the most talented and rounded central midfielders in the division.

It's a risk given his age and his injury past but a one year deal could suit all parties.

Sheffield Wednesday fans - would you like to sign Ireland? Let us know below...